Review of Two La Valentía Wines from Wine For the People

We received the product for review and all opinions are our own.

I first met owner/winemaker Rae Wilson back in 2016 at the inaugural Texas Wine Revolution. Rae started with the wine Dandy Rosé brand which was dedicated to making Texas rosés and later included Dandy Bubbles for a sparkling wine. Over time, Rae’s winery Wine For the People has added the brand La Valentía which is a limited production line of wines perfect for adding to your wine collection.

Wine For the People opened its first tasting room in 2020 in Dripping Springs and shared the location with C.L. Butaud. In November 2022, Rae moved the winery to Austin to share a space with daytime restaurant Spread & Co.

I have enjoyed Rae Wilson’s wines over the years and was delighted when asked if I wanted to review two of her La Valentía wines. The brand’s wines have a statement of Born of Courage which is an homage to Rae’s grandmother whose family name meant courageous.

The 2021 La Valentía Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc was the first wine I tried. Typical of the labels from the La Valentía brand, they are designed by Austin artist Katy Schmader and are of her paper collage prints. Since the brand is about courage, there are quotes on the bottle’s label. This particular courage quote was from Luisa Capetillo: “Oh you woman! Who is capable and willing to spread the seed of justice; do not hesitate, do not fret, do not run away, go forward!” Luisa Capetillo was a Puerto Rican labor leader.

The grapes for the wine came from Martin Vineyard in Hockley County of the Texas High Plains. The wine’s name “Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc” is because the vines were planted in 1975.

• 12.8% alcohol by volume
• Handpicked and whole cluster pressed, then cold soaked for four days before fermentation began.
• Slow, cool fermentation lasted three weeks in stainless steel tank with regular lees.
• Aged in 70% neutral French barrels and 30% stainless for 10 months.
• Medium body, medium tart finish
• Green apple, peach, passion fruit, grassy, herbs
• Retail price: $40

The second wine was the 2021 Dolcetto. The courage quote on this bottle was from Maria W. Stewart: “Be content to stand in the light and let the shadow fall where it will.” Maria W. Stewart was an abolitionist and women’s rights advocate.

The grapes for the Dolcetto came from One Way Vineyard in Floyd County in the Texas High Plains.

• 14.5% alcohol by volume
• Handpicked and cold soaked for four days upon arrival in open top bins.
• After fermenting dry, the wine was pressed then aged in neutral French barrels for 12 months.
• Bottled for six months before release.
• Will age in cellar for 10-15 years.
• Medium plus body, long finish
• Blackberry, plum, black pepper, cherry
• Retail price: Available only to wine club members

These two wines are typical of the excellent quality Texas wines that Rae Wilson makes at Wine For the People. I would highly recommend visiting the tasting room and trying all the wines available.