Peter Velleno was born and raised in San Francisco where he and his two older brothers were the fifth generation of their family to be born in the city. He attended the University of California at Davis. He took one class in the University’s renowned Food Science department and quickly changed his major from Chemical Engineering to Fermentation Science. After intensive study in winemaking, brewing science, microbiology and food engineering, he earned a BS in Fermentation Science; the only student in the 2003 UC Davis graduation ceremony to receive such a degree.
After graduation, he went to work for William Hill Winery in their laboratory. He quickly worked his way up to the Assistant Winemaker position where he specialized in Chardonnay production. He then worked for the ultra-premium small winery Hartwell Vineyards, where he worked hands-on to help craft some of the most highly regarded Cabernets in the Valley.
Peter’s career path took a sharp turn in 2008 when he joined Dario Sattui’s Castello di Amorosa as the Associate Winemaker. He was promoted to Winemaker in 2014, managing the production of Castello’s wines. He would tell you that making wine in a Castle is even more fun than it sounds.
Peter and his wife Lauren have lived in Napa since 2003. They enjoy playing tennis, biking, cooking, and spending time outdoors with their dog Nora. Peter and Lauren were blessed with their first child in mid-2009. Her name is Claire, and she is cute as can be! Their son, Tyler was born in 2012.
