Portrait of David Ramey
i. Biography
Founder and winemaker at Ramey Wine Cellars in Healdsburg, California, United States, David Ramey has held that role since 1996. The work is built on a measured approach: exacting without excess, and shaped by wine that reveals itself gradually, glass by glass. Within that framework, Chardonnay is the central grape, treated not as a side note but as a varietal with its own weight, carrying texture, tension, and depth.
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At a Glance - Role: founder and winemaker. - Workplace: Ramey Wine Cellars. - Location: Healdsburg, California, United States. - Year: 1996. - Specialty: Chardonnay.
Signature
David's signature wines include Ramey Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Hyde Vineyard 2016 and Ramey Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022. Read together, they show the range and control associated with his Chardonnay work: one tied to Napa Valley Carneros Hyde Vineyard 2016, the other to Russian River Valley 2022. Both bottlings place emphasis on site and vintage, and both reflect a style that gives Chardonnay room for nuance while keeping the wine in shape.
In Their Words “It is the most compelling white wine around.” “It is the red wine of white grapes.”
FAQ
Asked of David
What is David Ramey's current role?
As of 2026, David Ramey is Founder and Winemaker.
What is David Ramey known for?
Chardonnay.
The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like David Ramey in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.