Acclaimed Mumbai-Born Cabernet Winemaker Joins Family-Owned Napa Valley Wine and Vineyard Operation
(Oakville, Calif.) — May 15, 2025 — Andrew Hoxsey, Managing Partner of Napa Wine Company and Ghost Block Estate Wines, is pleased to announce the appointment of Priyanka Dhar Frenchas Director of Winemaking for Napa Wine Company and Winemaker for Ghost Block. French’s arrival marks a new chapter for the family-owned wine company known for its deep Napa Valley roots, early adoption of organic farming, and a commitment to excellence.
In her dual roles, French will lead winemaking and production at Napa Wine Company—one of Napa Valley’s pioneering custom crush facilities and a launchpad for some of the region’s most elite wine brands—founded by Hoxsey in 1993. At Ghost Block, she will craft wines from renowned Napa estate vineyards, including MorgaenLee and Ghost Block in Yountville and Pelissa and Rock Cairn in Oakville, with a focus on single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
French most recently served as Winemaker for Signorello Estate, where, alongside Consulting Director of Winemaking Celia Welch and Consulting Viticulturist Steve Matthiasson, she played a central role in revitalizing the nearly 40-year-old family winery following its destruction in the 2017 wildfires. She oversaw construction of a new 20,000-square-foot winery and caves, while refining the estate’s flagship wines—Padrone Cabernet Sauvignon and Hope’s Cuvée Chardonnay.
Recognized for her modern winemaking approach rooted in organic farming and sustainability, French was born and raised in Mumbai, India. She holds a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California, Davis, and has worked at esteemed estates including Dalla Valle Vineyards and Stags’ Leap Winery, with additional harvest experience in Bordeaux and New Zealand. A vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the wine industry, French was named to Wine Enthusiast’s “Future 40” in 2023. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Wine Unify, is Mentorship Program Director for Bâtonnage, and chaired Premiere Napa Valley in 2024.
“We are proud to welcome Priyanka to the Napa Wine Company family,” said Andrew Hoxsey. “She brings deep technical expertise, luxury winemaking experience, and a visionary mindset that aligns perfectly with our values. Her leadership will be essential in elevating Ghost Block and our custom crush operations.”
The Hoxsey family legacy in Napa Valley dates to 1903, when Andrew Hoxsey’s great-grandfather, Joseph Pelissa, son of Ligurian grape growers, purchased 35 acres in Calistoga for a single $10 gold coin. Today, Andrew and his daughters, Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko and Morgaen Hoxsey-Pickett, farm seven vineyards totaling 600 CCOF-certified organically cultivated acres and operate Napa Wine Company, acquired in 1991.
The family owns three estate wine brands:
- Ghost Block, known for its single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc from the family vineyards in Oakville and Yountville
- Oakville Winery, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel from the Pelissa Vineyard, made by Lynn Watanbe
- Elizabeth Rose, featuring elegant, accessibly priced wines crafted by Winemaker Jeff Onysko
At Ghost Block, French will bring a fresh vision and a deep respect for the land farmed by the Hoxsey and Pelissa families for five generations.
“I’m honored to join Napa Wine Company with its rich history as an incubator for some of the great brands of Napa, including Pahlmeyer, Schrader, and Pine Ridge and to reignite that energy for the next generation of Napa winemakers; its central location in Oakville makes it a prime center for innovation and collaboration,” said French. “I’m also thrilled to be the next steward of Ghost Block,” said French. “This is a rare opportunity to work with iconic estate vineyards, an incredible team, and a family with a long-standing commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. I’m excited to help shape its future.
About Napa Wine Company and Ghost Block Estate Wines
Napa Wine Company was founded in 1993 by Andrew Hoxsey as one of Napa Valley’s first custom crush facilities for premium grapes. Today, the family farms 600 acres of certified organic vineyards and operates three estate brands: Ghost Block, Oakville Winery, and Elizabeth Rose. For more information, visit www.napawineco.com and www.ghostblockwine.com.
