Founders’ Story

Waugh Family Wines is a boutique winery in Napa Valley, and we are passionate about creating unique wines that surprise and delight. Ryan Waugh first fell in love with wine after tasting a 1976 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon in college.  Inspired, he jumped into winemaking and soon became the cellar master at Napa winery Chateau Potelle.(Read the full story below!)

After creating Waugh Family Wines in 2000, Ryan has been one of the “visionary” first-generation winemakers in Napa Valley (Napa Valley Wine Project). He and his wife Crystal also founded The Caves at Soda Canyon, a unique underground winery where they and three other families follow their passion for making great wine.

Every glass of our wine reflects the terroir of Napa Valley and Sonoma, plus individuality and dedication of our quality-obsessed approach.

“Ryan is one of the new generation of Napa winemakers … with initiative, vision, international wine experience, and a passion for working with vineyards.”
— Napa Valley Wine Project

“Waugh Cellars is a winery truly going places … Ryan knows the unique benefits of terroir and as a result, sources fruit from a variety of locations within California based on where specific varietals grow best.”
— Bravo Your City

Meet the Waugh Family

Ryan Waugh – Winemaker

Ryan is one of the youngest first-generation winemakers working in Napa and Sonoma even at 42 years of age (with 25 vintages already behind him). As a college student at Santa Clara University, he discovered a special Cabernet Sauvignon that sparked his passion for wine. Ryan believes winemaking begins in the vineyard by showing great care to the vines during the growing season, allowing for minimal interaction once the wine gets to barrel. The result? Our wines are true representations of their varietal and exhibit unique flavors and great structural depth.

When not in the vineyard, Ryan spends most of his time with his family and participating in all the activities of Jordan (13) and Carter (10). The Waughs love spending time with customers and sharing their experiences in winemaking and the unique joys found in sharing a glass with those closest to you.

Crystal Waugh – Director of Sales

After attending Texas A&M and earning a degree in Marketing and Business Administration, Crystal entered the business world at Neiman Marcus in the Executive Development Program.

She held positions in buying, store management, recruiting and general HR. After moving to California she spent 3 years doing corporate recruiting for Williams-Sonoma, Inc in San Francisco. Since 2005, Crystal has played an invaluable role in the success of Waugh Family Wines, managing the direct to consumer experience as well as managing the Friends of Waugh Cellars Wine Club.

Jordan & Carter Waugh – Future Winemakers