Two people in cowboy hats toast wine glasses and smile, sitting outside with an American flag in the background.

Est. 1994 Carmel Valley, California

jack & dawn

Together, Jack and Dawn Galante bring vision, adventure, family, and purpose to everything they do. Their story is one of two independent spirits who share a love of great wine, memorable experiences, giving back, and never taking life—or themselves—too seriously.

She: “Honey, would you draw me a bath?”
He: “Red or white?”

That pretty much says it all.

TWO PATHS. ONE GREAT ADVENTURE.

Jack and Dawn came to the wine business by very different paths, but together they have created something that reflects them both: wines with personality, a business built around family and friendship, and a way of life centered on enjoying the journey.

Whether they are at the winery, welcoming guests in Carmel-by-the-Sea, traveling the world with friends and wine club members, or simply opening a great bottle around the dinner table, Jack and Dawn believe some of life's best moments happen when good people gather together.

Est. 1994 Carmel Valley, California

Jack & Dawn

Two people in cowboy hats toast wine glasses and smile, sitting outside with an American flag in the background.

Together, Jack and Dawn Galante bring vision, adventure, family, and purpose to everything they do. Their story is one of two independent spirits who share a love of great wine, memorable experiences, giving back, and never taking life—or themselves—too seriously.

She: “Honey, would you draw me a bath?”
He: “Red or white?”

That pretty much says it all.

TWO PATHS. ONE GREAT ADVENTURE.

Jack and Dawn came to the wine business by very different paths, but together they have created something that reflects them both: wines with personality, a business built around family and friendship, and a way of life centered on enjoying the journey.

Whether they are at the winery, welcoming guests in Carmel-by-the-Sea, traveling the world with friends and wine club members, or simply opening a great bottle around the dinner table, Jack and Dawn believe some of life's best moments happen when good people gather together.

She: "Honey would you draw me a bath?"

He: "Red or white?"

Man in cowboy hat smiles, holding a glass of red wine while standing in a doorway.

JACK

Jack's connection to the land began early, working summers on his family's cattle ranch and developing an appreciation for the rugged beauty of Carmel Valley. His interest in wine began at age thirteen while living in Europe—an experience that would eventually help shape a lifelong fascination with wine, food, travel, and the stories that surround them.

Trained as a geographer and environmental planner, Jack has always viewed the vineyard as more than a source of grapes. The soils, climate, elevation, water and character of a place all matter, and that respect for the land continues to influence the way Galante wines are grown and made.

In 1994, he turned that passion into Galante Family Winery. Today, Jack remains closely involved in virtually every aspect of the winery—from vineyards and winemaking to the unmistakable western personality of the Galante brand.

Equal parts vintner, rancher, author and adventurer, Jack has never been particularly interested in following the herd. His approach to wine—and life—is probably best summed up by one of his favorite pieces of cowboy wisdom:

“Always drink upstream from the herd.”

Smiling woman in a wide-brimmed hat holding a glass of white wine, standing by a green door.

DAWN

Vivacious, spirited and endlessly optimistic, Dawn brings both a sharp business sense and an enormous heart to the Galante family.

Born and raised in Michigan, Dawn came to California in 1985 and found a place—and eventually a life—she loved. Today, she serves as CFO of Galante Family Winery while also pursuing a dream entirely her own.

That dream became Dawn's Dream Winery, founded on her belief that making wonderful wine could also be a way of making a difference. From the beginning, giving back has been central to the winery's purpose, with particular emphasis on organizations supporting women and children.

Dawn approaches life with enthusiasm, generosity and a genuine belief in possibility. Her philosophy is reflected in the words of Henry David Thoreau that have long inspired her:

“Dreams are the touchstones of our character.”

For Dawn, dreaming has never meant standing still. It means imagining what could be—and then finding a way to make it happen.

Man in cowboy hat smiles, holding a glass of red wine while standing in a doorway.

JACK

Jack's connection to the land began early, working summers on his family's cattle ranch and developing an appreciation for the rugged beauty of Carmel Valley. His interest in wine began at age thirteen while living in Europe—an experience that would eventually help shape a lifelong fascination with wine, food, travel, and the stories that surround them.

Trained as a geographer and environmental planner, Jack has always viewed the vineyard as more than a source of grapes. The soils, climate, elevation, water and character of a place all matter, and that respect for the land continues to influence the way Galante wines are grown and made.

In 1994, he turned that passion into Galante Family Winery. Today, Jack remains closely involved in virtually every aspect of the winery—from vineyards and winemaking to the unmistakable western personality of the Galante brand.

Equal parts vintner, rancher, author and adventurer, Jack has never been particularly interested in following the herd. His approach to wine—and life—is probably best summed up by one of his favorite pieces of cowboy wisdom:

“Always drink upstream from the herd.”

Smiling woman in a wide-brimmed hat holding a glass of white wine, standing by a green door.

DAWN

Vivacious, spirited and endlessly optimistic, Dawn brings both a sharp business sense and an enormous heart to the Galante family.

Born and raised in Michigan, Dawn came to California in 1985 and found a place—and eventually a life—she loved. Today, she serves as CFO of Galante Family Winery while also pursuing a dream entirely her own.

That dream became Dawn's Dream Winery, founded on her belief that making wonderful wine could also be a way of making a difference. From the beginning, giving back has been central to the winery's purpose, with particular emphasis on organizations supporting women and children.

Dawn approaches life with enthusiasm, generosity and a genuine belief in possibility. Her philosophy is reflected in the words of Henry David Thoreau that have long inspired her:

“Dreams are the touchstones of our character.”

For Dawn, dreaming has never meant standing still. It means imagining what could be—and then finding a way to make it happen.