From Hard Work to Harvest: An Interview with Mi Sueño Winery’s Rolando Herrera

The American Dream in a Bottle

 In the heart of Napa Valley, a profound and inspiring story unfolds at Mi Sueño Winery. This is the story of Rolando Herrera, a man whose journey from a landscape laborer to a celebrated winemaker is a testament to the American Dream and the rich legacy of Latino vintners. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to feature Latin stories in wine, and Rolando’s is a powerful one. His path began with a chance encounter in 1985 at Stags Leap Wine Cellars, where a simple invitation from founder Warren Winiarski ignited a lifelong passion. This passion drove him to become a confident winemaker, leading him to purchase his first four tons of grapes in 1997, which became the foundation of Mi Sueño Winery.
 
Mi Sueño Winery Winemaker Rolando Herrera

How It All Began

How did you get into wine?
I received an invitation from Warren Winiarski back in the summer of 1985, while I was breaking rock and digging trenches on his property. Warren, the founder of Stags Leap Wine Cellars, needed help, and I was brought on by a friend of a friend. He liked my work ethic, and at the end of the summer, he offered me a job working the harvest at night. I was just 17 and had no idea what a winery was, but from the moment I stepped inside, I fell in love and knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
 
How did Mi Sueño Wines come into fruition?
By 1994, after seven years at Stags Leap, I wanted a bigger challenge than being a cellar master. I pursued an assistant winemaker position at Chateau Potelle in 1995. It was a small winery, so it was a very hands-on role. I oversaw the entire winemaking process, from working the vineyards and running lab analyses to crushing grapes and bottling. This is where I grew from a cellar master to a confident winemaker and realized I wanted to become a head winemaker.
In 1997, after my wife and I got married, I decided to test my talent by buying four tons of grapes. I planned to use the wine as a “resume” for winemaker positions. To my surprise, the wine turned out superb, and I decided to bottle it. That’s how Mi Sueño Winery was born.
 
Mi Sueño Winery - Herrera Family

A True Family Legacy

 Who is who in Mi Sueño Wines?
Today, my oldest daughter, Rebecca, and my son, Rolando Jr., are full-time employees. In the beginning, it was just me, working 14-16 hours a day. Now, my wife and I run the winery with our children, and even my younger children help out on the weekends. It’s a true family-run winery.
 
What does it mean to you to be a Latino winery owner in Napa Valley?
To be a winemaker here is a great accomplishment. The fact that we are one of the few Mexican-American wineries in Napa Valley, with me as a founder, owner, winemaker, and farmer, means more than words can say. I am proud of my humble beginnings and my success. I am most proud that Mi Sueño Winery is a result of my ancestors’ hard work and sacrifice. I am so grateful to them for raising us in Napa Valley so we could live freely and accomplish our dreams. In their honor, I can say with great pride: “Look, I did it.
Thanks to you! I have built the American dream, and I am living it.”
 
 

Words of Wisdom from the Vintner

 What message would you like to share with those aspiring to join the wine world?
Follow your dreams. You can do it. Set your goals and your mind to something, and it will come true. The secret to success is working smart and hard, being disciplined, responsible, patient, and holding yourself accountable in good times and bad. Dream Big—it’s free and the sky is the limit!
 
What wines are you drinking now?
My wife, Lorena, and I have always been big fans of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Recently, as our palates have matured, we’ve been enjoying more Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. When we go out to eat, we love exploring different wines like Albariño, Viognier, and Riesling.
 

Find out more about Mi Sueño Winery at misuenowinery.com and on Instagram @misuenowinery

Mi Sueño Winery Wines

Mi Sueno Winery Wines

Crafted by Rolando Herrera, these notes offer a personal glimpse into the artistry behind each bottle. The following descriptions invite you to not only taste the wine but to experience the unique story it tells about its origin and creation.

Mi Sueño Winery UNICO Vino Blanco 2023 Casa Adobe Vineyard -White Wine Blend

Mi Sueno Casa Adobe Vineyard 2023

Vintage 2023
Sonoma Valley, Casa Adobe Vineyard
Alcohol 14.5%
This exceptional White Wine Blend harmoniously combines six varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, Albariño, Riesling, and Chardonnay, creating a luscious and mouthwatering flavor profile. In the cellar, each varietal was processed separately to capture the true essence and purity reflective of the terroir. The wine was aged almost equally in a mix of neutral French oak, stainless steel, and concrete tanks.

Tasting Notes:
The wine showcases a noble golden color; on the nose, there are enticing notes of fresh guava, pear, quince, and wildflowers. The flavors further develop, introducing hints of lemongrass, orange peel, and tangerine, beautifully complemented by toffee and vanilla undertones.
On the palate, this blend continues to impress with its luscious, crisp minerality and mouthwatering flavors. Notes of lemon curd, candied citrus, and apricot emerge, evolving into a multilayered, long-lasting finish.
Pairings:
Try the Mi Sueno Unico Vino Blanco with Oysters Rockefeller, an assorted sashimi platter, a peach and burrata salad, or even an arugula salad. As we transition into fall, this exquisite blend perfectly complements heartier, Latin-inspired dishes. Picture yourself enjoying it with a vibrant paella, where the wine’s citrus notes enhance the saffron-infused rice and fresh seafood. Alternatively, savor it with a rich chicken mole, allowing its crisp minerality to balance the complex, spicy flavors for a delightful taste experience. For a cozy evening, pair it with a classic empanada, letting the wine’s layered complexity enhance the savory fillings. As the leaves turn, allow the Unico Vino Blanco to elevate your culinary experiences, adding a touch of elegance to your autumn gatherings.

Mi Sueño Winery CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021

Mi sueno winery CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Vintage: 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, Oak Knoll, Mt. Veeder, Coombsville
Alcohol: 14.5%
Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its bold flavors, full-bodied structure, and remarkable complexity. Our Napa Valley Cabernet perfectly demonstrates Rolando’s mastery of producing vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon, both elegant and powerful, lush and balanced, approachable yet age-worthy. Aged for 21 months in 65% new French oak, the wine was granted an additional year of rest in the bottle, allowing its complexity to deepen and its flavors to evolve. The result is a wine that whispers of time’s delicate touch, inviting you to savor its layers of rich, velvety texture. Indulge now or cellar it for future enjoyment; this wine promises to unfold its beauty for years to come.

Tasting Notes:
Displaying a deep ruby color, otherwise known as ‘Mi Sueño red,’ the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, vanilla bean, pinecone, ripe plum, cassis, molasses, and roasted almonds. On the palate, the complexity of flavors reveals dry and chewy tannins balanced with notes of textured minerality, bold forest fruit, dark chocolate, river rock, and sweet oak that linger endlessly.

Pairings:
This complex and versatile wine offers endless pairing possibilities. Try it with pan-seared lamb chops, generously seasoned with black pepper and fresh herbs. Enjoy with Korean short ribs with sticky chow mein noodles. For delightful vegetarian options, pair the wine with a mushroom risotto; consider serving it alongside a platter of aged Gouda or an herbed goat cheese, which will highlight the wine’s subtle hints of spice and dark fruit. For a Latin-inspired twist, try pairing it with a roasted vegetable and black bean enchilada, or a savory empanada filled with mushrooms and cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this wine is sure to elevate any meal with its rich flavors and sophisticated character.

Find out more about Mi Sueño Winery at misuenowinery.com and on Instagram @misuenowinery

Mi Sueño_RolandoHerrera2