Tom Rinaldi

Tom Rinaldi, co-founder and winemaker at Patent Wines, boasts over 45 years of experience in the Napa Valley wine industry. Raised in San Francisco, Tom developed a passion for wine during frequent trips to Napa. After serving in the Navy, he pursued studies at UC Davis alongside notable classmates such as Mike Martini and Tim Mondavi. Tom's illustrious career began at Free mark Abbey and includes being the founding winemaker at Duckhorn Vineyards, where he crafted celebrated wines for 22 vintages. His expertise extends to building wineries like Pellet Estate, Provenance Vineyards, and Hewitt. At Patent Wines, Tom leads all winemaking strategies, from vineyard selection and crop management to assembling final blends, bringing his extensive knowledge and innovative spirit to every bottle.

The North Coast of California is the crown jewel of American winemaking, renowned for producing some of the world's most prestigious and sought-after wines. Home to legendary wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino, and Lake County, this area is defined by its diverse terroir, coastal influences, and generations of winemaking expertise. With its rolling vineyards, cool maritime breezes, and rich soil, the North Coast offers the perfect conditions for cultivating world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. From the bold, structured reds of Napa Valley to the elegant, cool-climate wines of Sonoma and Mendocino, this region embodies the very essence of California wine culture. When people think of California wine country, they picture the scenic landscapes and historic vineyards of the North Coast—a place where tradition meets innovation, and every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and excellence.