While many chefs simply cook with wine, chefs like Dustin Valette take it a step further—creating wines that are true extensions of culinary creativity. For Dustin, wine isn’t merely an accompaniment; it’s an essential counterpart to the meal, crafted with intention and inspired by ingredients, ultimately transforming the entire dining experience.
He approaches each bottle with the same philosophy that made his restaurants, Valette and The Matheson, standout destinations in Sonoma: A relentless focus on quality, local sourcing, and the pursuit of true hospitality (I rarely make a trip to Sonoma without visiting one or both of Dustin’s restaurants).
Dustin approaches Valette Wines with the same rigor, respect, and sense of adventure he brings to sourcing ingredients. As he puts it, “The winemaker is like the farmer at my table — each brings the best of their craft, their discipline, and their terroir. My job is to showcase that.”
Celebrated Winemakers Are Handpicked as Creative Partners — Blending Artistry, Expertise, and Culinary Vision in Every Bottle
Here’s where Dustin changes the script on traditional wine business models. Rather than settling for a single style or single winemaker, he teams up with some of the most celebrated 100-point winemakers working today. Just as Dustin wouldn’t limit himself to one farmer’s produce, he builds his wine collection around these winemaker legends, leveraging their unique strengths:
His winemakers include:
David Ramey is often called “Professor Chardonnay,” his approach is the gold standard in balance and richness.
Bob Cabral, Tom Rochioli and the latest addition of Michael Browne: Iconic in Pinot Noir, ensuring the Valette Pinot captures both depth and elegance, perfect for everything from roasted duck to truffle risotto.
Jesse Katz is the master behind their bold, structured Cabernet, a match for Dustin’s heartier mains and grilled meats.
As a chef deeply rooted in Sonoma County (he’s been there for most of his life), Dustin’s sensibility for flavor, texture, and harmony guides both his kitchen and the wines that bear his name.
This chef’s approach means that just as the daily menu changes with the season, the Valette lineup is shaped by collaboration — each wine is crafted to bring something exceptional to the table, never to overshadow the meal, but always to make it unforgettable.
A Chef’s Palate in the Cellar
Dustin is hands-on, working closely with each winemaker to taste, blend, and refine every bottle. It’s a process not unlike developing a new dish—evaluating acid, texture, tannin, and flavor just as a chef would balance sweet, savory, and spice. The result? Wines with precisely the energy and nuance to pair beautifully with food.
Keeping It Real: Quality Over Quantity
Dustin is all about authenticity. He started with “garage wine” in 2008 and officially launched Valette Wines in 2016. He’s equally passionate about mentoring the next generation, philanthropy, and supporting the community that raised him. He says, “wine isn’t just a product; it’s a way to bring people together.”
Looking Forward: The Next Course
Dustin isn’t slowing down. He’s opening a wine lounge, exploring new collaborative projects, and always searching for another winemaker whose signature varietal can add something unique.
We also talked about empowering the younger generation to connect deeply with food, wine, and community. He talked about the importance of sharing a meal or a bottle of wine can teach empathy, generosity, and collaboration, which are essential life skills. Whether it’s sitting down for a family dinner, teaching young kitchen staff, or directing philanthropic work, Dustin urges us to help the younger generation appreciate the craftsmanship and joy found in honest food and thoughtfully made wine, hoping in turn they’ll carry these lessons forward to nourish both their lives and their communities.
The Wines
- 2023 Valette Rosé of Pinot Noir – notes of strawberry, cherry, and orange blossoms with a nice minerality at the end.
- 2021 Valette Pinot Noir Bush Crispo Vineyard, Russian River Valley – notes of boysenberry, cherry, truffle, earth and mocha.
- 2023 Valette Rochioli Chardonnay – notes of apple, citrus, spice and minerality. Great texture.
- 2021 Valette Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – notes of cherry, raspberry, flowers, earth and spice. A great Sonoma Pinot Noir!
- 2021 Valette Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville, Napa Valley) — notes of violet, anise, granite, cedar, dark chocolate and black pepper. This was delicious now, but it is built to age.
At its core, Valette Wines is more than just a collection of good bottles —it’s an expression of Dustin Valette’s unwavering commitment to quality, collaboration, and community. By handpicking some of Sonoma’s most revered winemakers and bringing his chef’s palate to the cellar. Looking ahead, Dustin’s vision continues to evolve — not only through new projects and partnerships but through his passionate dedication to nurturing the next generation’s connection to food, wine, and the shared experiences they create.
