The Heartbeat of Dry Creek: Andew Nalle tells the story of Dry Creek Zinfandel

In mid-2024, I found myself in the heart of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley—an enchanting sub-AVA that has quietly, but confidently, shaped America’s wine identity. With a history that stretches from pre-Prohibition endurance to present-day renaissance, Dry Creek is a place where multigenerational family wineries continue to define what authenticity in American wine really means.

At the core of this region’s soul is Zinfandel—a grape often celebrated for its bold fruit and generous spirit, but in the hands of Dry Creek’s best, it becomes something more nuanced, expressive, and site-driven. For the families who’ve worked this land for generations—the Rafanellis, the Mauritsons, and today’s guests, the Nalles—Zinfandel isn’t just a heritage grape. It’s a medium for elegance and for storytelling.

Andrew Nalle, winemaker and steward of the Nalle family legacy, describes Zinfandel as one of the most rewarding grapes to work with. It’s sensitive, demanding, and characterful—and when treated with respect, it produces wines that are both layered and profoundly expressive of character.

On this visit, I had the great pleasure of experiencing Nalle Winery’s hospitality firsthand, thanks to my Bostonian friend Brandon Farrell, and to April Nalle—educated in South Australia and now back in California, continuing a legacy that bridges continents and generations.

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew to talk about Zinfandel’s journey—from its pre-Prohibition roots to its evolving role in today’s fine wine conversation. We dive into Dry Creek Valley’s unique position in American wine and what it means to craft wines that are both timeless and forward-thinking.

A huge thanks to Andrew for joining me.