News Summary
In Yountville, California, several business leaders are transitioning from established careers into winemaking, launching new wine labels like Kiani Preserve and Arrow&Branch. Figures such as Jim Mazzo and Joe Kiani are leading this trend, aiming to produce high-quality wines while also embracing sustainable practices. With a commitment to fine craftsmanship, these entrepreneurs are reshaping the Napa Valley wine landscape and fostering a cultural appreciation for this classic art form.
Yountville, California – A number of local business leaders are making a significant transition from their established careers to the art of winemaking, unveiling several exciting new wine labels. Prominent figures in this movement include Jim Mazzo, a medical device executive and chairman at Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, and Joe Kiani, founder of Masimo Corp. and Willow Labs.
Mazzo is a part-owner of Jessup Cellars and Handwritten wineries, both located in Yountville. Kiani, on the other hand, is set to release his inaugural wine collection under the label Kiani Preserve this fall. Winemaking, however, is known to be a lengthy and costly process, taking as much as two years before a new bottle hits the market, as noted by Steve Contursi, who also dabbles in winemaking.
Contursi produces wine under the Arrow&Branch label, having transitioned from dealing in rare coins to a focus on rare wines. He has emphasized the meticulousness required in the winemaking process, which has seen a number of other business figures also exploring this venture. Kiani’s chosen winemaker, Adam Henkel, has concentrated on crafting varietals specifically from grapes cultivated on the Kiani family’s ranch situated in Santa Ynez Valley.
The Kiani family planted their vineyard in 2020, and they are gearing up to release their first bottles in October, including a selection of various blends. Their vineyard spans an impressive 100 acres and is home to 170,000 vines. Kiani Preserve has committed to using just 10% of the best grapes harvested for their wines, aiming for high quality in their products.
Steve Contursi, who started Arrow&Branch in Napa Valley in 2008, has established his wines as sought-after collector’s items. His label sources grapes from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the area. Similarly, Hayes Drumwright, who founded Memento Mori in Napa Valley, was inspired by a personal experience with cancer and a deep passion for high-end wines. Memento Mori specializes in producing small-batch Cabernet Sauvignon and advocates a “remember to live” philosophy.
Mazzo and his wife Kelly have turned to winemaking to explore a promising new venture that moves beyond their previous focus on ophthalmology and philanthropy. Their experiences living in Rome and London helped cultivate their appreciation for fine wines. Another entrepreneur in the region is Jason McClain of McClain Cellars, who began his winemaking journey after rejecting a television deal from Amazon Prime. He has successfully established a line of private-label wines tailored for restaurants and has opened tasting rooms in various locations, including Laguna Beach.
Alongside these developments, Gary Jabara, founder of Boardwalk Investments Group, now owns the Estate Yountville, which features one of Napa Valley’s oldest vineyards and offers a variety of hospitality experiences. The growth of these local wine labels indicates a trend among business leaders transitioning into the competitive winemaking industry.
The Kianis aim to not only produce quality wines but also to create a sustainable legacy through their vineyard by employing regenerative farming techniques. Looking forward, they aspire to produce up to 20,000 cases of wine and have plans to establish a wine tasting room. Similarly, Steve Contursi has recently invested in building a winery facility to enhance production capabilities for Arrow&Branch, maintaining his commitment to quality wine-making.
In closing, the landscape of winemaking in Napa Valley is continuing to evolve as established business leaders invest their expertise into this classic craft. Their initiatives not only promise quality products but also reflect a broader cultural appreciation of winemaking as an art form.
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Additional Resources
- Wine Business: Transition to Winemaking by Local Business Leaders
- Wikipedia: Wine
- KSBY: Santa Ynez Valley’s First Grape Hauler Celebrates 50 Years
- Google Search: Santa Ynez Valley wine
- Independent: Fresh Faces in the Santa Ynez Valley
- Google Scholar: Santa Ynez Valley wine
- Noozhawk: Santa Barbara Agrees to Join Wine Business Improvement District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine Business
- Santa Maria Times: Cheers Greet Solvang Vote on Wine Improvement District
- Google News: Santa Barbara County wine
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
