Folie a Deux – Napa Cellars

Folie à Deux Napa Cellars Folie à Deux Napa Cellars represents a unique chapter in California wine history, bringing together two well-known wine brands that have contributed significantly to Napa Valley’s winemaking landscape. Folie à Deux was founded in 1981 by psychiatrist Larry Dizmang and psychologist Gary Mills, with its name derived from a French psychiatric term meaning “a shared passion” or “madness shared by two.” Over the years, the winery became known for crafting approachable, high-quality wines that blended innovation with traditional winemaking values. In 2004, Folie à Deux was acquired by Trinchero Family Estates, one of California’s most respected family-owned wine companies, further expanding the brand’s reach and influence.

A defining characteristic of Folie à Deux Napa Cellars was its diverse portfolio of handcrafted wines. The brand became particularly recognized for varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. Folie à Deux focused on sourcing fruit from premium California wine regions, including Napa Valley and Sonoma County, creating wines that balanced accessibility with vineyard expression. Through careful grape selection and thoughtful winemaking techniques, Folie à Deux Napa Cellars developed wines known for their vibrant fruit flavors, balance, and consistency. The winery also played a role in the success of several popular wine labels that helped introduce new consumers to premium California wines.

Beyond its wines, Folie à Deux Napa Cellars became known for its welcoming tasting experiences and connection to Napa Valley wine culture. For many years, visitors could sample Folie à Deux wines alongside Napa Cellars wines at the shared tasting facility near Highway 29. Although the Folie à Deux brand has since transitioned to a Sonoma County-focused portfolio, its legacy remains an important part of California winemaking history. Through its commitment to quality, innovation, and approachable wines, Folie à Deux Napa Cellars continues to be remembered as a respected name among wine enthusiasts and collectors.