News articles about yet another sale of a family winery to a large corporate conglomerate are published on a regular basis. Likewise, almost daily, an article or social media conversation revolves around the future of wine as it pertains to younger consumers. When I had the chance to chat with Angelina Mondavi (yes, that Mondavi), I felt compelled to address both topics to hear her thoughts.
Angelina Mondavi – Photo Credit: CK Mondavi
Angelina Mondavi, Fourth Generation Member of the Mondavi Family
Everyone has heard the name Mondavi at this point. In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the highly lauded Charles Krug Winery and “built upon the winery’s reputation for innovation and uncompromising quality.” For 75 years, generations of the Mondavi Family have been conscientious stewards of the estate. During our conversation, Angelina emphasized more than once that “we are stronger as a family entity. And succession planning is key.”
Angelina Mondavi is a member of the fourth generation and leader of a new generation of winemakers in Napa Valley. In fact, she is the only member of “G4” who pursued winemaking as a profession. “Growing up, I lived on the winery which was perfectly normal for agricultural families. My passion for winemaking started early – at 10 years old, I assisted the lab manager at Charles Krug. I loved chemistry.”
At Villanova University, Angelina majored in chemistry and minored in Business. Subsequently, she worked with Hess Collection then moved to Barossa Valley in Australia to work harvest at Yalumba Wine Company. While in Australia, she earned a Master’s Degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus.
Returning to Napa Valley, Angelina worked at various wineries in different roles, launched two brands with her sisters, and partnered with her cousin Robert Mondavi Jr. to create Fourth Leaf, a brand in honor of their grandfathers Robert Mondavi and Peter Mondavi, Sr. Now, Angelina Mondavi is consulting winemaker for Charles Krug, working closely with winemaker Stacy Clark and the team.
On the Mondavi Family Legacy
We began our conversation by addressing her family’s legacy, the importance of which Angelina Mondavi is extremely aware. “No matter what, our family wants to elevate our brands. By diversification, taking care of our employees, bringing on new brands and building them up, we can intensify our strength and have more tools in the tool box,” she shared. “And because we’re not corporate, we can make decisions faster.”
Among other options to honor the Mondavi legacy, Angelina explained that she is focusing more on the identity of the land, more than 150 acres of estate vineyards (of 850 total vineyard acres). “Each is so different and I prefer to take a minimal approach to winemaking. Mother Nature is in charge and I listen to what the vineyards say. You can’t control everything!” Angelina and winemaker Stacy Clark focus on block selections, barrel strategies, and tannin management to create lush, premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons considered an homage to the Mondavi family. For detailed information about the history of this iconic family, click HERE.
Photo Credit: Charles Krug
On Wine Consumers
Our conversation segued to the topic of consumers. “Why are people choosing to pour beer, spirits and low or non-alcoholic beverages instead of a good glass of Left Bank Bordeaux?” I asked. (I think we can figure out the layers of answers to that question rather quickly if you’ve been monitoring wine industry news or talking to any twenty-somethings, however.)
“We’re tired of trying to get millennials to drink wine,” Mondavi stated. She feels that everyone should “just relax and simply listen” to what these consumers really want. In her opinion, loyalty is important to the younger generation as are wines that “meet their values.” Offering wines grown organically or from sustainable, regenerative environments are priorities. “We offer “gateway wines” that are affordable along with higher end wines in the portfolio.
Having experiences are important, too. At Charles Krug, we have winery tours, wine blending seminars, a Truffle Shuffle, caviar pairings and pizza. We want people to feel comfortable, not intimidated, so we have very personalized events for guests.” Clearly, there’s something for everyone who visits Charles Krug Winery, whether it’s a bottle of wine or experience.
Photo Credit: A. Mondavi Consulting
For Angelina Mondavi, maintaining and continuing the family legacy of grape growing and quality wine production are of paramount importance. As family patriarch Peter Mondavi Sr. said, “It’s a way of life, for my generation and those that follow.”
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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