Elmann Family Vineyards

As third generation manufacturers, we believe in tradition and take pride in owning a business that has been in our family for almost three-quarters of a century. In our newest venture as winemakers in the Napa Valley, we honor the same traditions as this community in our love for the land as well as our spirit of hospitality. Our wines are our legacy, and we plan to share this passion with our children for generations to come – future stewards of this wonderful land that gifts us our livelihood and craft.

When we decided to explore the wine industry in 2007, we set out to learn all we could about the making of wine, the growing of grapes, and the business of creating a brand of wine our entire family would be proud of. Making wine that best represents who we are, is what we hope to share with our consumers. Today, all of our wines come from our Vineyard. We work closely with our winemaking team including Winemaker, Andy Erickson, and Vineyard Manager, Mike Wolf. We invite you to join us and be part of this exciting journey with Ellman Family Vineyards.

The Ellman Family Estate is a 20-acre, west-facing vineyard along the Silverado Trail. Nestled at the base of Soda Canyon and in the shadows of Atlas Peak, the vines grow in an ancient riverbed. The soil is strewn with cobbles and rocks, stressing the vines and offering optimal drainage. Planted in 1998 to a suitcase clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, the combination of gentle slope, rocky soils, and old world clonal material cooperate to produce wines of richness and complexity.

NEIL ELLMAN

Neil moved to the United States from South Africa at the age of five. Upon graduating from college, Neil lived in Phoenix, Tennessee, and Los Angeles, working for the family mattress manufacturing business. As a third generation manufacturer, Neil continues to be the creative force behind his family business, overseeing sales and marketing. At one point, that business had him residing in California. It was during this time that Neil developed an affinity for Napa and a desire to be in the wine business. He considers himself fortunate to have been able to marry his passion for business and entrepreneurship with his love of great wine. Neil, his wife and two children currently reside in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

LANCE ELLMAN

Born in South Africa, Lance was only a baby when the family settled in the United States. After college, Lance entered the family mattress business to work alongside his brother, Neil. Whether he is managing facilities and machinery or crushing grapes, Lance is the operational force behind the success of the family business. Having been exposed to some of the finest wines, Lance knew that one day, there would be an Ellman Family Vineyards that would produce wines from the most distinguished regions in northern California.  Lance, his wife, and two children currently reside in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

ANDY ERICKSON

Andy brings to the winemaking at Ellman Family Vineyards our shared values of family and friendship. His rich understanding of the Napa Valley and his thoughtful approach in the vineyard and cellar, give our wines and our estate the opportunity to grow into the multi-generational, family endeavor we dream of.

Andy’s body of work stands alone in the Napa Valley and is far too long to list here. But his respect for his mentors, his willingness to collaborate with vintners and winegrowers, and his focus on nurturing Napa’s next generation of winemakers are just some of the reasons we are lucky to call Andy our winemaker and friend.