Our Story
We make wines for ourselves and share it with a few thousand of our friends.” Linda Reisacher
In 1995, Linda and Gerhard Reisacher set out to produce big and expressive red wines from select vineyards throughout Napa Valley, showcasing the unique terroir of various sites while patiently checking out land that would ultimately become the home of their estate vineyards. The name Delectus, Latin for “The Ultimate Choice’, was inspired by a trip to Italy where Linda and Gerhard were moved by Michelangelo’s David. Over the years Delectus wines have garnered many accolades and a devoted and loyal following. In 2005, Linda and Gerhard’s dream of owning a vineyard estate came true with the purchase of 112 acres overlooking Knights Valley, only 40 acres of which are plantable due to slope limitations. The elevations of this majestic property vary from 1200 to 2200 feet and it has expansive and breathtaking views of Mount St. Helena, Diamond Mountain and on a clear day, the beautiful Pacific Ocean. By purchasing this land and planting our own vineyards (in 2006) we gain greater control over the fruit, secure a consistent grape source, and we are able to ensure highest quality from beginning to the end of each growing season. Currently we have 18 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. We take extraordinary steps with our farming practices to respect the natural beauty and history of the property by preserving the natural terrain.
Linda Reisacher
Linda Reisacher, Owner- Linda started her career in the wine industry as a sales executive for California Glass, a leading supplier of wine bottles and other containers. This experience helped introduce her to the wine industry and paved the foundation and business acumen that would later prove crucial at Delectus Winery. It was during this time that a friend introduced her to Gerhard, jump-starting a lifetime filled with love and a passion for producing stellar wines. Linda wears many hats at Delectus Winery. She manages the winery's overall business operations including hosting events and private tastings with trade representatives, consumers, and media. When Linda is not at the winery, you will find her spending time with their daughter Julia or chasing their dogs Splash and Fannie Mae across The Ranch.
Gerhard Reisacher
Gerhard Reisacher, Winemaker & Owner- Gerhard has wine and viticulture in his blood - he's an eighth generation winemaker who grew up in a small wine village south of Vienna. As a boy he first got his fingers dirty by working alongside his father in the vineyards, and subsequently attended Austria's premier winemaking college, graduating with four degrees, including winemaking and viticulture. Gerhard was first captivated by Napa Valley after tasting numerous wines from the region, which a college housemate had "liberated" from his family's cellar. For him, they were entirely unlike anything he'd tasted before in European wines and soon thereafter, he packed all his belongings, including twenty-nine bottles of self-made wine as his liquid resume, and began his journey to Napa Valley. He worked for Monticello Cellars, Far Niente, Pine Ridge and Clos Du Val prior to starting Delectus, and has not looked back since.
