February 13, 2023, Healdsburg, CA – Sonoma County’s award-winning Chef-Vintner, Dustin Valette, of acclaimed Healdsburg restaurants Valette, and The Matheson, is thrilled to announce today that his wine brand, Valette Wines, has launched a lifestyle membership program designed for wine connoisseurs and food lovers alike. Valette Wines is the culmination of Chef-Vintner Valette’s passion for California wine country, the community who lives there, and the bounty that grows there. The addition of the lifestyle membership serves as a bridge between wine, food, and flavor by bringing the essence of wine country directly to members.
In collaboration with legendary vintners specializing in small production out of Napa and Sonoma wine country, Valette Wines membership is an expression of terroir, married together with Chef-Vintner Valette’s French-Infused, Northern California cuisine and wine country living.
At the helm of this new endeavor is a longtime friend and newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Michael Riel, who brings a wealth of wine industry experience and professional insight, essential in bringing the Valette Wines Membership to fruition. Riel was drawn in by Valette’s vision for Valette Wines and his ability to secure collaborations with legendary Northern California winemakers including Bob Cabral, Tom Rochioli, and Jesse Katz whose wines are highly allocated.
“We believe that food and wine belong together and become more enjoyable when paired right. Valette Wines Club offers a rare opportunity to access small-production wines from sought-after winemakers, and combines these with food-based experiences, created by Dustin and his team,” says Riel. “This begins as early as with the selection of the vineyards and designing the style of the wines together, and peaks in exclusive dining experiences that showcase the wines and Dustin’s cuisine, paired to perfection.”
Riel brings decades of experience in winemaking operations and financial management to the team. He completed his undergraduate studies in economics and English and a Corporate Business Degree in Germany and studied winemaking through the University of California, Davis remote study program. He holds numerous domestic and international managerial and finance certifications. Notable industry roles include; VP of Paul Hobbs Wines, COO of M.A. Silva Corks, USA, COO for Browne Family Wines, assisted Michael Browne with the start of Browne Family Wines, COO at BFW, and recipient of The North Bay Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award in 2012.
“This membership stands out from others in this field due to Michael Riel’s exceptional reputation in the ultra-luxury wine industry, as well as the exceptional culinary and wine-tasting privileges available,” says Valette. “The club’s uniqueness also lies in the synergy between our team and the winemakers, in addition to complementing and integrating with Valette and The Matheson, which celebrate Sonoma County’s terroir.”
The focus of the Valette Wines membership is to celebrate the synergy between farmer, winemaker, and chef, stretching beyond the bounds of a typical wine club. Members will not only have access to some of the most exciting wines in the region, but through membership, they will be able to experience wine country through the lifelong lens of Chef-Vintner Valette. Riel and Valette will partner to curate intimate events, inspired pairings, and educational opportunities with priority access to highly allocated wines, holiday gift packs, Chef-Vintner Valette’s restaurants, and a wine country cottage.
Membership tiers to Include:
Tier One ($1,400 to $1,700 per year)
- Commitment to 24 bottles a year (two shipments per year, 12 bottles each). $1,400 to $1,700 per year
- Additional opportunity to purchase six more bottles of each wine, as long as available
- Access to Valette Wines Club Concierge that will assist with preferred reservations at Valette and The Matheson, preferred access to the private dining rooms at The Matheson, and assist with booking Valette Guest House, The Matheson Penthouse or hotel rooms
- Opportunity to buy four tickets per Club Valette exclusive dining experiences and winemaker dinners, or until sold out
- Ability to book private tastings at The Matheson. Four complimentary tastings per year
- 50% off shipping. Members choose their shipping method
Tier Two ($650 to 850 per year)
- Commitment to 12 bottles a year (two shipments per year, six bottles each). $650 to 850 per year
- Additional opportunity to purchase three more bottles of each wine, as long as available
- Access to a Club Concierge that will assist with preferred reservations at Valette and The Matheson and help with booking Valette Guest House or hotel rooms
- Option to buy two tickets per Club Valette exclusive dining experiences and winemaker dinners. (until sold out)
- Ability to book private tastings at The Matheson. Two complimentary tastings per year
- 25% off shipping. Guests choose their shipping method
Tier Three ($300 to $400 per year)
- Commitment to six bottles a year (one shipment per year, six bottles). $300 to $400 per year
- Additional opportunity to request more wine, but no additional guaranteed allocation
- Access to a Club Concierge that will assist with preferred reservations at Valette and The Matheson
- Ability to book private tastings at The Matheson. No complimentary (pay per experience)
Valette Wines memberships are now available for purchase, only at members.valettewines.com. For a lighter commitment, all are welcome to subscribe to the Valette Wines newsletter in order to stay up-to-date on the latest releases, request allocations, and enjoy other perks such as recipes and pairing suggestions.
To learn more about Valette Wines and its membership, visit members.valettewines.com.
About Valette Wines
Valette Wines was born out of Chef-Vintner Dustin Valette’s passion for wine, food, and flavor, showcasing legendary small production, terroir-driven winemakers such as Bob Cabral, Tom Rochioli, and Jesse Katz through its expressive portfolio of Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot, and Cabernet. Valette Wines is a proud steward of the land and committed to celebrating the diverse nature of the expansive region, as well as Chef-Vintner Valette’s passions for wine, food, and flavor. Valette Wines pairs perfectly with our regional cuisine and wine-country living.
About Dustin Valette
Dustin Valette is one of Sonoma County’s premier Chef-Vintners. He is the Owner of Valette Wines and the Chef-Owner of Healdsburg restaurants, Valette and The Matheson. Known for his love of seasonality, Chef Valette creates distinctive culinary experiences that pay homage to the region’s farmers and vintners – landing him many accolades, such as Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” (Valette) and SARA’s “Award of Excellence” (The Matheson), among others. He honed his craft at some of the nation’s most celebrated restaurants, including Dry Creek Kitchen, a Charlie Palmer restaurant in downtown Healdsburg; the Michelin-starred Aqua in San Francisco; Napa Valley’s Bouchon; and Hokus at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Honolulu. Chef Valette’s ties to Sonoma County date back to the 1820s, when his great-grandfather settled in the area and opened bakeries in the buildings where his restaurants stand today.
About Michael Riel
Valette Wines’ Chief Operating Officer, Michael Riel, brings decades of experience in winemaking operations and financial management to the team. He completed his undergraduate studies in economics and English and a Corporate Business Degree in Germany and studied winemaking through the University of California, Davis remote study program. He holds numerous domestic and international managerial and finance certifications. It has been Riel’s privilege to serve in many notable positions including VP of Paul Hobbs WineCOO of M.A. Silva Corks, USA, COO for Browne Family Wines, assisted Michael Browne with the start of Browne Family Wines, served as COO at BFW, and was named The North Bay Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award in 2012, among other milestones. Aside from his wine endeavors, Riel is an active philanthropist. For 10 years, he and his wife have carried out charity work and health missions in Nicaragua. The couple built their second home there two years ago.
