My family has been in the wine business for nearly a century, since my great grandfather, Clarence Dillon, acquired Chateau Haut-Brion in 1935 and our family company, Domaine Clarence Dillon, subsequently purchased Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion in 1983. I gained an early exposure, appreciation, and genuine interest in wine from my family. Eventually, I was inspired to produce my own boutique label in Napa Valley—Carte Blanche.

Growing up on a farm in Bedminster, New Jersey—home to five generations of my family—some of my fondest memories are of my grandmother presiding over family dinners. Exceptional wines marked the significant hallmarks in our lives and she passed this proud family heritage in wine production to her descendants.

Over time, I became fascinated by both the science and nature of great wines—the grand alliance between winemaker and nature, art and technology. One memorable Christmas, my grandmother gave me a wax stamp of my initials. That stamp, my wax seal, is my vintner mark for Nicholas Allen Wines.