There are wineries that make beautiful wine—and then there are wineries whose stories make every sip taste even more meaningful. Mi Sueño Winery, founded by Rolando and Lorena Herrera, is one of those rare places where passion, grit, and love collide in the most delicious way.

“Mi Sueño” means My Dream, and truly, it is the embodiment of the American dream realized.

The Herrera story begins long before the winery was founded in 1997. Rolando Herrera arrived in Napa from El Llano, Mexico, at just 15 years old. By day he went to high school; by night he washed dishes at Auberge du Soleil. His work ethic was unmatched, and so were the instincts he naturally possessed for both the vineyard and the cellar.

After high school, Rolando took a harvest job at the legendary Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars—working under Warren Winiarski, one of Napa’s icons. From there, his résumé began reading like a Napa Valley hall of fame:

  • Cellar Master at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

  • Assistant Winemaker at Château Potelle

  • Winemaker at Vine Cliff Winery

  • Director of Winemaking at Paul Hobbs Consulting

With every position, he learned, tasted, farmed, struggled, succeeded, and kept climbing—always with the mindset of sí se puede… yes you can. And then, in 1997, the same year he married Lorena Robledo, he made his

Photo via MiSuenoWinery.com

first 200 cases of Chardonnay as a side project. That was the beginning of Mi Sueño Winery.

Lorena Herrera’s story is just as powerful. As the eldest daughter of Reynaldo and Maria Robledo—who also emigrated from Mexico in the late 1960s—she grew up surrounded by vines, soil, and generational hard work. Her family now owns over 350 acres across Napa, Sonoma, and Lake counties.

Lorena and Rolando met as teenagers at church. They were friends for 10 years before they married—and together launched a winery that would become one of California’s great independently owned success stories.

Everything about Mi Sueño is rooted in experience, heritage, and humility. As Rolando says, “Farming and making wine is not science, it’s experience.” And after 25+ vintages, that experience shows.

I was incredibly excited to taste the wines they shared with me—and wow… these bottles truly reflect the heart and history behind this brand.

Mi Sueño Russian River Pinot Noir – A Pinot With Structure, Soul, and Stunning Freshness

This Pinot Noir absolutely captivated me. Sourced from their 3-acre estate vineyard in a cooler, bay-influenced pocket of the Russian River Valley, this wine has the elegance of an Old World Pinot with the confidence of California—yet none of the heaviness.

The longer, slow-growing season gives the grapes time to develop richness and concentration while still preserving freshness and acidity. And in 2022, nature delivered even more intensity: a dry winter, a mild summer, some spring frost, and a September heatwave. Yields were low, but flavors? Explosive.

Two iconic Pinot clones shape this wine:

  • Swan — finesse, freshness, aromatic lift

  • Calera — structure, depth, and power

Together, they create a Pinot Noir that is both graceful and commanding. Fermented in chilled steel to protect its purity, then aged 12 months in 50% new French oak (plus an additional year in bottle), the wine pours inky and dark—this is not your average Russian River Pinot.

In the glass, it’s a complete symphony with Wet stone, ripe cranberry, strawberry jam, delicate vanilla, clove, raspberry, cherry cola cream, and pomegranate. A vibrant thread of tart cherry and gentle oak brings everything into balance. The mouthwatering acidity makes each sip feel alive, fresh, and perfectly textured.

As a sommelier, this is the kind of Pinot Noir I get excited to serve—a wine with story, style, and serious craftsmanship.

Dos Sueños Cabernet Sauvignon – Rutherford Dust and Pure Elegance! This Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the renowned Rutherford AVA, is a standout from the moment it hits the glass. Rutherford is long known for producing some of Napa’s most prestigious Cabernet, and this bottling carries that legacy beautifully—with the unmistakable “Rutherford dust” character woven through every sip.

It’s bold yet polished, rich yet graceful—everything I expect from Rutherford fruit, but with that signature Herrera touch of balance and restraint.

From the first taste, it opens with deep blackberry and black cherry, evolving into cocoa powder, warm spices, and dusty earth. The finish is long, refined, and layered with velvety tannins—a Cabernet that feels equally suited for a celebratory dinner or a quiet moment of reflection.

Mi Sueño Winery is not just a winery—it’s a story of resilience, love, heritage, and relentless passion. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why wine matters… not just as a beverage, but as a reflection of human experience.

From dishwasher to renowned winemaker.
From migrant vineyard workers to vineyard owners.
From a 200-case side project to a celebrated Napa Valley winery.

The wines are beautiful, but the story? Even more beautiful.

I’m honored to taste these bottles and even more excited to share their story with you. If you’re looking for wines with soul, depth, and true Napa craftsmanship—put Mi Sueño on your list immediately.