Parallel Napa Valley, often referred to affectionately as “the ski wine,” was founded in 1999 by four couples from Park City, Utah. The friends, all avid skiers with a life-long appreciation of wine, wanted to create a wine that reflected these passions. Working from the very beginning with rockstar winemaker Philippe Melka, they have been able to achieve just that. Their love of the sport and parallel lives and friendships, that have coalesced over the past 40+ years, are reflected in the intersecting ski tracks of the Parallel label.

In close coordination with the partners, Philippe Melka produces three wines under the Parallel Napa Valley label: a Napa Valley Cabernet, a “Reserve” Napa Valley Cabernet under the label “Black Diamond,” and a Russian River Valley Chardonnay. The Napa Valley Cabernets, once produced with estate fruit from a 62-acre vineyard in Conn Valley, continue to carry the Vaca mountainside footprint. Philippe Melka hand-selects vines from notable vineyards with proven vineyard managers across Napa Valley to produce these 100% Cabernets. A boutique brand producing less than 700 cases annually, Parallel Napa Valley is now custom-crushed, cave barrel-aged and bottled at Brasswood in St. Helena, CA.

Since the first vintage in 2003, Parallel Napa Valley has continued to be released to high praise and 90+ ratings from the top publications, including Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Parker’s Wine Advocate, and James Suckling as well as Gold and Double Gold Medals from numerous years of the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

In addition to making great wine, the partners of Parallel Napa Valley are committed to sharing their wine in order to support charities that are near and dear to them. These include the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation, the National Abilities Center, Youth Sports Alliance, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Meals on Wheels.

We now have private tasting experience options at our winemaking and hospitality home at Brasswood Napa Valley as well as the opportunity to taste and acquire Parallel Wines from the comfort of your own home with our private, online tastings. Wine dinners and receptions outside of Napa Valley, and targeted restaurant placement and distribution are also available.