As co-proprietors and winemakers for Melka Estates, Philippe and Cherie produce four distinct brands: Métisse and CJ from Napa Valley, Mekerra from Sonoma Valley, and Majestique from sites around the world.
Born in Bordeaux, Philippe has degrees in Geology, Agronomy and Enology.
A chance encounter with Jean-Claude Berrouet, the technical director for Christian Moueix's Château Petrus, took Philippe across the pond to the Moueix-owned Dominus in California in 1991. After work was complete at Dominus, he did a stint at Ridge with Paul Draper, which is where he met Cherie, who was working as a lab technician. Cherie boasts a degree in
Microbiology and a diploma in French Studies from the University of Bordeaux III.
The beginnings of Melka Estates started in 1996, after Philippe and Cherie moved back to Napa Valley from France. They decided that they would love to produce their own label, despite each working for different wineries. They started modestly with only two wines in 1996: Métisse and CJ for a total case production of 500.
The organic growth that ensued over two decades has resulted in them having two estate vineyards, their own winery and ten distinctive wines in their portfolio. They work side by side using their strengths and knowledge to decide harvest dates, fermentation protocols, maceration length, barrel regime and final blends before bottling.