Michael Mondavi
Rob Mondavi
Dina Mondavi
Michael Abernathy
Eric Aguirre
Brennan Anderson
Ann-Marie Avanni
Paolo Battegazzore
Susanne Bergstrom
Rick Choate
Linda Chwistek
Tony Coltrin
Jamie Conahan
Gina DellaVedova
Scott Finaly
Jeff Flood
David Francke
Dominic J. Guerrieri
Kerry Guilfoyle
Irene Habermeier
Katharine Harlan
Leo Hummer
Ed Maass
Lisa Mauer
Susie Mayr
Nicole Niebisch
Gustavo Ortega
Monica Perry
Jeanette Schandelmier
Diane Simpson
Bill Stevens
Brooke Tarkin
Aaron Velasco
Thomas Vogele
Susan Vowell
|
Our Team
Michael Mondavi
Founder & Coach
I established Folio Fine Wine Partners in 2004, with my wife, Isabel, and our children, Rob and Dina. With Folio, I've realized my vision of forming a company that imports and produces the most exciting quality wines from the world's premiere and emerging wine regions, including Italy, Spain, Austria, New Zealand, Argentina and California.
We also provide sales, marketing and public relations services to every wine brand we represent, so that the wines we believe in find their way onto the tables and into the hearts of American wine lovers.
I have more than 40 years of wine industry experience. After co-founding Robert Mondavi Winery with my father, in 1966, I went on to serve as Vice President of Production responsible for winemaking, Vice President of Sales, President and CEO, and Chairman of the Board. I am pleased to bring that range of understanding to a new endeavor that combines my business experience with one of my highest priorities—working closely with my family to share and promote exceptional wines from around the globe.
|
 |
Robert Michael Mondavi, Jr. (Rob)
President
of Winegrowing and Partner
As the son of Michael and Isabel Mondavi,
my enthusiasm for wine took root more
than 30 years ago. I grew up in Napa
Valley, and my earliest memories are
of playing among the vines and barrels
at Robert Mondavi Winery.
Prior to and during my summer breaks
from the University of Santa Clara, I
held a variety of positions in our family’s
company to gain experience in all aspects
of vineyard and winery management, hospitality
and business operations. The first job
I held was under Tony Coltrin our current
Director of winemaking, whereby I followed
him through the cellars, and learned
all that a 12 year old could. I can remember
being so small that it was a feat to
turn the barrels so that we could wash
them. Much later I even started my own
business hosting mountain bike tours
through the Napa Valley wine country.
I graduated in 1994, with a degree in
English Literature, and spent time at
our Vichon winery where I made my first
wines. Following I went to work in sales
for Southern Wine & Spirits to learn
more about the distributor side of the
industry.
I educated myself about international
business culture by moving to Panama
for a year and when I returned to Napa
Valley, I decided to try my hand at importing.
In 1996, I established the Napa Cigar
Company, a manufacturer and importer
of premium cigars from the Dominican
Republic, Nicaragua and the Canary Islands.
I joined the Robert Mondavi Corporation
in 2000, as a luxury brands Sales Manager.
Soon I became Sales Director, responsible
for developing and managing sales of
the company’s imported wines from
Australia, Chile and Italy in more than
20 states. I went on to serve as Director
of Marketing for Robert Mondavi Winery,
spearheading the winery’s trade
marketing initiatives. My family and
I founded Folio Fine Wine Partners in
2004, with the vision of producing and
importing the most exciting wines from
established and emerging wine regions.
I currently focus on the wine making
and vineyards with Tony, and the management
of the overall business.
I live in Napa with my wife, Lydia—one
of the creative forces behind Medusa wines.
|
|
Dina Mondavi
Creative Director and Partner
Officially, my title is Creative Director, but we all wear many hats working to build this new company. This is my first experience with a start up and I think we are all thriving on the energy and spirit that Folio Fine Wine Partners new approach to doing business has brought to a sometimes tired industry.
Lately, I have been focusing on the look and feel of our company and our new winery. I’ve found that can be anything from editing copy for the Folio Fine Wine Partners new website or meeting with designers for packaging and shopping bags for our new Taste Gallery at Folio Winemakers’ Studio. I enjoy working with creative people and feel fortunate to be the liaison for the look of our soon to be remodeled winery and our new Oxbow Market Stall.
At Oxbow we have plans to create quite possibly the world’s smallest winery! I am dedicating this year to letting the world know we have a winery with exquisite views, a little food to pair with the wines, an excellent Taste Gallery equipped with works from inspiring local artists, unusual gifts, and some great events. I also work with the Carneros Wine Alliance and the Napa Valley Vintners to promote these appellations and to learn from both of these great resources.
Outside of my work at the winery, I am still in the wine business and manage my mother, Isabel Mondavi’s, wine brand I’M Wines, as well as, developing the packaging for my father’s long awaited brand. I have come to realize there is a lot to do in this business and that it touches many aspects of life, and in that way, wine is a conduit to many new experiences for me.
|

|
David Francke
General Manager and Partner
I set my mind to working in the wine
industry more than 20 years ago while
studying in Bordeaux to complete my French
degree. I have since worked in various
wine positions—first in my hometown
of Kansas City, then in Atlanta and Chicago.
I now live in Napa with my wife and three
children and hope to spend the rest of
my life living every day in a place where
others come for vacation. I’ve
worked as a restaurant and retail wine
buyer, distributor sales rep and manager,
and in wine supplier jobs managing sales
and marketing. I also worked for the
Robert Mondavi Corporation. I bring all
this experience to Folio Fine Wine Partners,
where I’m excited to be part of
building something new that can have
a big impact on the industry. The best
part of working at Folio is the people.
They are all very talented and fun to
be around. It's a great combination.
|

|
Paolo Battegazzore
Director of Marketing and Partner
Folio Fine Wine Partners is a new adventure
among a group of seasoned professionals.
I joined Folio after more than 20 years
of sales and marketing experience, including
seven years as General Manager of Luce
della Vite, originally a joint venture
between two well-known wine companies:
Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi of Florence
and Robert Mondavi of Napa Valley, California.
As the Director of Marketing at Folio
Fine Wine Partners, I am proud to be
able to lead a group of talented marketing
professionals in the development of wines
from around the globe. For Luce, I developed
the sales and marketing strategies needed
to establish the company as an international
presence. I have also worked at Procter & Gamble,
Guala SpA, and Francesco Cinzano & Cia.
To every role I have tried to offer an
extensive knowledge of wine and food,
a knowledge enhanced with advanced degrees
in Agricultural Sciences as well as Food
Science and Nutrition.
My father is also in the wine business,
so wine and food have always been important
to me. It’s rewarding to do business
with people who share my priorities.
I was born and raised in Tortona, Italy,
and my wonderful family recently moved
with me to beautiful Napa Valley.
|

|
Susanne Bergstrom
Director of Public Relations and Partner
After graduating from college with a
degree in journalism, I fell into the
wine industry by chance when I answered
a small classified ad in the newspaper
for a public relations job “at
a Napa Valley winery.” The winery
turned out to be Robert Mondavi.
Although
I knew very little about wine when I
started, it didn’t take long before
I was an enthusiast—fascinated
by all aspects of wine production, from
vineyard to bottle. I ultimately left
the Robert Mondavi Corporation to explore
the globe, but eventually I returned
to San Francisco where I now live. Over
the years, I have worked in public relations
on both the corporate and agency sides,
developing strategic programs for companies
in a variety of industries including
fashion, food, technology, financial
services and hospitality. I always wanted
to return to wine, though, and my dream
came true when I joined Folio Fine Wine
Partners in the fall of 2006. I’m
so lucky to be in a business that encourages
the enjoyment of fine wine with great
food, in the company of friends. |

|
Rick Choate
Director of Sales and Partner
I come to Folio Fine Wine Partners with
twenty-nine years of experience building
solid account and distributor relationships.
A deep understanding of the New England
market dynamics has helped me accumulate
a successful track record of brand launches
across a number of prestigious players
in the wine industry.
My first industry job involved eight years
in sales and education leadership with
Heublein. From there, I moved to Brown-Forman,
where I managed sixteen northern and eastern
states. I spent three years with a distributor
in Boston and then developed the New England
market for Sutter Home, before settling
down to work for the Robert Mondavi Corporation.
During my twelve years with Robert Mondavi,
I moved up to District Manager of the high-profile
New England district, where I created over
$48 million in annual sales and built a
well-regarded, effective team.
I grew up in Massachusetts and lived in
Connecticut for 20 years—right up
until moving to Napa Valley in 2006. My
wife, Gail, and I enjoy travel to warm
climates, theatre and golf. In Connecticut
I also enjoyed being involved in our community,
including active membership on the board
of the Greater Hartford Arts Council and
on the Connecticut Public Television Wine
Committee. |

|
Tony Coltrin
Director of Winemaking and Partner
Tony Coltrin brings more than thirty five years of winemaking experience to his role at Folio Fine Wine Partners, where he makes wines for Oberon and Hangtime. As a child growing up in St. Helena, he worked and played in the vineyards. As he grew a little older, the grandfather
of one of his closest friends took him under his wing and became his winemaking Mentor, it was this grandfather figure who suggested Tony work a harvest in a Winery so that they could share winemaking not only in the vineyard but in the winery also. He suggested Robert Mondavi Winery, since Tony had grown up around the Mondavi family, and they were doing some of the most cutting-edge and innovative winemaking in the world at that time. That was 1973…. Tony’s interest in winemaking, fueled by the passion and excitement of Michael and Bob Mondavi turned one harvest into over 30 years with Robert Mondavi Winery. What began as dragging hoses and shoveling fermenters in the cellar, turned into Cellarmaster and then to Winemaker. When the company sold, Tony was asked by Michael Mondavi and his son Rob to join them in making the fine wines of Folio.
When asked for his winemaking philosophy Tony replies thoughtfully:
"I have grown over the years to believe that wine most truly is a reflection.... in my younger years I was taught that this reflection was of the soil, climate, and varieties and how they combine to produce such a wonderful marriage of aromas, colors, and tastes that weave so beautifully into the pleasure that is a glass of wine.
I've grown lately to feel that wine is equally a reflection of the people.... of their willingness to allow each wine to become intimate, the care taken along the way, the passion offered up, this relflects in each wine as deeply as the grape. If the grapes are the heart of a wine.... the people are it's soul."
Tony, his wife Sandra—an artist and pastry chef—and their son, Sam live in the western hills of the Napa Valley. When asked what inspires him he replies: “ My very artistic mother who always encouraged my imagination, and taught me look for the possibilities and to create. She still inspires me, she’s 82 now and is still teaching elementary school after 52 years. My wife who is the tall,slender, lovely reminder that my life is about balance and the one who let’s me know when I need to find it. The whole Robert Mondavi family for the passion they’ve allowed me, creative license they’ve given me, and trust they have shown me for so many years. The grandfather of my friend who first mentored me in to winemaking. Most of all my son Sam who is 5 now and each day without fail makes me smile with my heart” says Tony.
When not in the vineyards or the cellar, Tony will tell you that he is solar powered and has a passion for the outdoors equal to his passion for winemaking. He spends his time cycling, fly fishing, kayaking, surfing, hunting, running, cross-country skiing, playing baseball, soccer, or playing around with his motorcycles…. all with Sam at his side.
|

|
Ed Maass
Director of Business Development and Partner
I’ve worked in the wine industry
for almost 20 years, and I’ve come
to value the way the industry runs on
personal relationships. Integrity and
creativity are everything, and Folio
Fine Wine Partners represents the best
of both. We are committed to quality
at every level.
I became a wine buyer for a restaurant
in 1987, before moving on to sell wine
for companies in the Washington, D.C. area.
In 1995, Robert Mondavi Corporation hired
me, and two years later they moved me to
Napa Valley. I’m happy to continue
working with Michael Mondavi at Folio,
and I appreciate the way he emphasizes
family values as much as business values.
When I’m not at work, I love spending
time with my wife and our two daughters. |

|
Diane Simpson
Director of Human Resources and Partner
I joined Folio Fine Wine Partners with
more than 17 years of experience in human
resources—12 of them in the wine
industry. This business is interesting
and sexy, and it attracts compelling,
passionate people. I love working with
the Folio family, many of whom I’ve
known from my years with the Robert Mondavi
Corporation.
I love to hang out with my kids—Kyle
and Sarah. We enjoy having friends over,
cooking, reading, playing games, watching
movies and going camping. My kids keep
me sane! |

|
Susan Vowell
Director of Finance and Partner
I love the every-day challenge of providing
strategic financial information to enhance
decision-making and ensure success in
the "start up" environment
here at Folio Fine Wine Partners. I love
the entrepreneurial spirit of Folio—our
creative staff is always up for the
next
challenge. And since my husband and I
have our own wine brand, Rocinante Wines & Vineyards,
I bring a unique perspective to working
with Folio’s brand owners.
The wine industry is particularly special
to me because I truly recognize and appreciate
how much an individual’s personality
and perspective is reflected in every business
decision that is made—from planting
the vineyards to harvesting the grapes,
from aging the wine to marketing and selling
the final bottled product.
I started my wine industry career working
part-time at a wine retail shop in Northern
Virginia before moving to Napa Valley,
where I worked for a St. Helena CPA firm
specializing in the wine industry. Since
then, I’ve worked for two family-owned
wineries, including Trefethen Vineyards,
one of Napa's wine industry pioneers.
I was raised in Bethlehem, PA, approximately
90 miles northeast of Philadelphia. I’ve
been married for 13 years to my husband,
John, and we live in St. Helena with Karly
and Jake, our furry, friendly retrievers.
I love small-town living and the opportunity
to give back to my community. For five
years, I chaired the Barrel Auction of
the Napa Valley Wine Auction, a truly extraordinary
charitable event that benefits local child
welfare needs. I also serve on the boards
of local nonprofit community organizations,
and I volunteer my financial expertise
to nonprofits in developmental stages of
organization. |

|
|
|
Michael Abernathy
Taste Gallery Manager and Partner
I’ve been working in the wine industry for a year and half now, and love every minute of it. The thing I have liked most about the industry so far is that there is always something new to learn. I started working in the wine industry in 2003, while I was still
attending college I spent a summer semester in Napa Valley and did a summer internship at Robert Mondavi Winery. I had the opportunity to wear a few different hats during my time there; including wine education, retail sales, vineyard work and analyzing the profitability of the paid programs. After spending the summer in Napa I decided that this is what I really wanted to do, I have always had a passion for food and being in wine country made me realize I had a passion for wine as well. So after receiving a degree in Small Business Management, back in Georgia where I was born and raised, I moved back to Napa Valley in February of 2006. Upon moving back out here, I started working at Grigch Hills Cellars; where I enjoyed the first eight months of my career. I can not say thank you enough to the Grigch and Hills families for the opportunity and experience I had while working there. I came to work for Folio Winemakers’ Studio, because of the wonderful group of employees that were here, the fine wines that Folio makes and represents, and also it gave me a chance to work with family. While working my time-off from Grigch Hills in Folio production, my “cousin in-law”, Rob Mondavi, mentioned that there was a need for a management position in their newly acquired Taste Gallery. So I applied and was fortunate enough to get the position and made the move to Folio.
My parents, Mike and Patti, and younger brother, Richard, still live back in Georgia where I get back to see them from time to time. The things that really get me going in the morning are that I have a great family, a wonderful job in Napa Valley and a great group of co-workers to work with. In my spare time I enjoy golf, fishing, horse-back riding, bee keeping, gardening and spending time with friends. Cheers!
|
 |
Eric Aguirre
Cellar Worker 2 - Production, Folio Winemakers' Studio and Partner
Bio information to come.
|

|
| |
|
Brennan Anderson
Marketing Manager and Partner
I grew up in the Napa Valley and over the years, my relationship with wine has changed from casual interest, to hobby, to passion, and finally, to my career. Every once in a while I have to stop and pinch myself, because it’s a bit surreal earning a living by doing something that I enjoy in my free time as well.
By way of background, I entered the wine industry after a three year stint at an advertising agency in Santa Barbara and a return to business school to obtain my MBA from Wake Forest University. Upon graduating, I decided I wanted to market a product that I was passionate about and with wine at the top of my list, I went to work for Paterno Wines International in Chicago. Several cold winters, but plenty of good pizza later, my wife Lisa and I decided to come back to the California sunshine in Napa Valley, where I joined Folio Fine Wine Partners.
Besides wine, I have a lot of interest in small company start-ups, and working with the talented new team at Folio has been incredibly stimulating and a natural fit. I love the challenges that a young company offers, and I’m always trying to think of exciting new ways to grow our brands.
|

|
Ann-Marie Avanni
Business Manager and Partner
Ever use a screwdriver to open a bottle of wine? I don't recommend doing so, but I was hooked the moment the spray hit my face. My 21st summer was a little less work than expected and more exploration of California's various wine regions.
My fascination with wine grew as I completed both my undergrad (Tufts) and graduate (Harvard) programs. When my husband was transferred to Louisiana with the US Coast Guard and my planned field of employment was not an option, I turned and ran in the direction of wine.
Today, as the Business Manager of the USA Region, I manage the top 20 states selling under 3,000 cases annually. My wine background includes street-level account management for a wholesaler in New Orleans, sales distribution management in the state of Massachusetts for the Robert Mondavi Corporation, and directing national marketing activities for various domestic and imported wines for both Robert Mondavi Corporation and for Folio Fine Wine Partners. I started with Folio Fine Wine Partners in late fall 2004 when our world-headquarters was a cottage in the back of Michael's house. My husband and I are raising our twin daughters here in the Napa Valley and pursuing our next great adventure. |

|
Linda Chwistek
Logistics & Inventory Manager and Partner
I’ve been working in Logistics
in the wine industry for more than 24
years, and it remains a fascinating,
dynamic business. In addition to extensive
work experience
—much of it at the
Robert Mondavi Corporation—I also
bring the latest advances in Logistics
to my position at Folio Fine Wine Partners.
I completed a Cal State University Logistics
certification program, building on my
BS in Agricultural Economics from UC
Davis.
I love discovering a great bottle of wine
over a nice meal with friends and family.
I also love animals, and often volunteer
with dog rescue organizations. I’ve
developed dog-related community service
projects, such as raising money to provide
pet oxygen masks for all the fire departments
in our county. I am an accomplished dog
trainer and enjoy entering dog agility
competitions. This year I qualified for
the Agility Nationals. |

|
Jamie Conahan
National Accounts Manager and Partner
I joined Folio Fine Wine Partners in January of 2004 after twenty one years at Robert Mondavi. I am currently the national account sales manager for the United States. Previous I spent ten years in the luxury resort hotel business. I currently live in Atlanta, Ga with my wife Tricia and enjoy sporting clays, bird hunting with my two dogs, golf and fly fishing.
|

|
Gina DellaVedova
Business Manager—Central Region and Partner
I bring a diverse fine wine background
to Folio Fine Wine Partners, including
more than 12 years in the wholesale and
food and beverage industries. In addition
to a strong background in finance, I’ve
managed brands from both supplier and
distributor
perspectives, allowing me
to build strong relationships with our
suppliers and distributor partners. This
combination of experience and skills
has led to my success in the critical
Texas market. I have worked in sales
and marketing for the Robert Mondavi
Corporation, Southwestern Marketing/Chalone
Wine Group, and Glazer’s Domaines
and Estates.
I am passionate about fine wine, but I
also believe that wine is an everyday beverage – not
something intimidating. I strive to convey
that when I am out in the market to both
accounts and to the consumers and wait
staff that I interact with.
In my spare time, I am hanging out on
Lake Austin with my fiancé and my
two German Shepherds. A Texan at heart,
I graduated from University of Texas – hook’em
horns! |

|
Scott Finaly
Business Manager—Atlantic District and
Partner
I came to Folio Fine Wine Partners with
an extensive record of success in ten
states, as well as experience managing
more than 33 distributor partners at
once. Significant sales and management
responsibilities have given me an understanding
of the business
drivers and market dynamics
of my territory, which includes Delaware,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio. I
credit my success to a variety of factors—most
importantly, an understanding of marketing
and brand building, strong partnership
development with distributors and accounts,
and a focus on results.
I started out working in the restaurant
industry, learning about wine and the wine
business from my interaction with many
influential winemakers. I knew I wanted
to work in wine sales, and soon landed
a position marketing a full portfolio of
wine and liquor products for Redwood Vintners.
In 1989, I joined the Robert Mondavi Corporation
and ultimately became manager of the Mid-Atlantic
district, a position I held for ten years.
I live in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania with
my wife, Faith, and four children—Madeline,
Gavin, Shaina and Alyssa. |

|
Jeff Flood
Business Manager—Southeast and Partner
I joined Folio Fine Wine Partners after
more than two decades of wine industry
brand building and sales in the southeastern
United States. Much of that time I spent
in brand management with the Biltmore
Estate Wine Company and the Robert Mondavi
Corporation.
During my seven years at
Biltmore, I built a strong sales record
by working effectively with wholesale
distributors and successfully maintaining
strong, loyal relationships with accounts.
At Robert Mondavi, I joined the domestic
sales team and ultimately led the company’s
$41 million dollar district—a district
that included Georgia, Alabama, North
Carolina, and South Carolina. My territory
led its division in gross profit and
showed five to eight percent growth over
each previous year. Experience in both
chain and independent markets give me
a keen edge for successfully building
brands in diverse markets. I also have
nine years of retail wine shop management—selling
both lifestyle and luxury wines—under
my belt. You could say I’ve experienced
every aspect to the business of wine
sales and marketing.
I live with my wife, Melissa, in Lawrenceville,
Georgia with our daughter and twin sons. |

|
| |
|
Dominic J. Guerrieri
Business Manager—Midwest District and Partner
Growing up in an Italian American family in Chicago, wine has always been a part of my life. However, my true passion for wine was born during my travels through great wine growing regions – including California, Oregon, Italy, Spain, France and Germany – during my tenure in the Unites States Air Force. Upon my departure from active duty,
I turned this interest into my career, starting out with a distributor, Romano Brothers Beverage Company in Chicago, performing multiple sales roles. After learning the business from the distributor side, I joined the Robert Mondavi Corporation in 1998. Within a few years, I became the Illinois Area Manager – and the 2002 recipient of the Robert G. Mondavi Award of Excellence. In 2003, I was tasked to become one of the directors of a new division within Robert Mondavi, designed to develop new wines from brand concept to final label. Following the sale of the Robert Mondavi Corporation, in January 2005, I left Robert Mondavi to join in business once again with Robert’s eldest son, Michael Mondavi. In the wine industry since 1994, I now manage the business in four major Midwestern states for Folio Fine Wine Partners and I am proud to be a founding partner of the organization.
|

|
| |
|
Kerry Guilfoyle
Business Manager—New York/Connecticut
and Partner
I joined Folio Fine Wine Partners with
a strong understanding of all areas of
the wine business: marketing, sales,
production and distribution. I jump started
my career in wine sales in 1997, while
acting as both general manager of a fine
dining restaurant and assistant
winemaker/director
of sales and marketing for Trail Ridge
Winery in Colorado. In this capacity,
I helped introduce Trail Ridge’s
first vintage to the Colorado market.
I soon moved over to the distributor
side to expand my wine business knowledge,
joining a new wine division of National
Distributing to help successfully open
the on-premise market in Northern Colorado.
I also helped launch a boutique distributorship
in Colorado, growing sales to 1.5 million
in the first year with a portfolio of
new brands for this market. This gave
me extensive experience in building new
brands. During two years with the Robert
Mondavi Corporation, I moved from Account
Manager to Area Business Manager to Regional
Manager, responsible for the second largest
global market for the Robert Mondavi
Winery brand.
|

|
Irene Habermeier
Marketing Manager
My passion for wine began nearly 13 years ago when I had the privilege to work as a marketing beverage director for Black Angus Steakhouse. As a buyer, I worked with the major suppliers from wine, spirits and beer. Although each category came with its own set
of dynamics, it was wine that most intrigued me for its delicate, complex, yet approachable flavor and texture. After nearly 10 years on the “buyer” side, it was timeto cross over to the supplier side to pursue my love for wine even more. I joined Constellation Wines U.S. in 2005 as a brand manager and took on a new understanding of wine marketing, including harvest production. I certainly gained a new perspective of all of the hard work and challenges that go on behind a brand to make it to the retailer and customer.
Working for Folio Fine Wine Partners is an opportunity of a lifetime! With the Michael Mondavi family leadership and wealth of industry experience by all of its employees, I am excited to be a part of a team that is truly passionate, energetic and dedicated to producing and representing beautifully-styled wines.
My husband and I reside in the East Bay and we enjoy hiking, tennis, skiing and rooting for the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox (even though I’m a native Californian). I am also passionate about music and typically never leave home without my iPod. My other favorite thing is to be creative and love putting together video montages.
|

|
| |
|
Katharine Harlan
Associate Marketing Manager
I have always looked up to Julia Child—not only because of her passion for cuisine, but because she truly loved life. She once said “Above all, have fun.” For me, fun is the wine industry. My interest in wine began at the young age of 8 when I first visited Burgundy with
my father, although I did not officially start working in the wine industry until 2003. Wine has always been a part of my life. Although I have to credit my upbringing for my early education on wine—my many years in the restaurant industry taught me the ways around a wine list and the real joys of cooking and wine pairing.
I graduated the University of California, Los Angeles with a major in History and Political Science—and my love for wine led me to the Buchman Law Firm in San Francisco, CA. Buchman Law was the first law firm in the US to specialize exclusively in beverage law and I worked there 2 years as a Paralegal with domestic and international wine and beverage clients. I also worked part time as a Wine Consultant at a local independent retail store in San Francisco—which gave me great hands on experience in the retail/buying field. But I eventually left to focus in wine marketing and joined the amazing team at Folio Fine Wine Partners as an Associate Marketing Manager. I am truly blessed to work with the best people I know—in the industry I love. I am having fun every moment.
|

|
Leo Hummer
Lead Cellar Worker- Production, Folio Winemakers' Studio and Partner
I have more than thirty years experience in making, selling, promoting and enjoying fine wine.
Born in the south of California and raised in San Diego; I love to swim and body surf in the ocean. In my late teens my father and uncle started showing me fine wines. So… I moved to France… I worked for Paul Jaboulet Aine in the town of Hermitage. When I finished with my French experience I moved to the beautiful town of Sonoma California, so I could stay with wine production and help raise two beautiful and creative children, Remy and Charlotte.
I love wine and wine production, so working with Folio Winemakers Studio and the Michael Mondavi family of wines is where I want to be.
|

|
|
|
Lisa Mauer
Business Manager—Florida and Partner
I have worked in the wine industry for
more than 21 exciting years. I love introducing
people to our wines and discovering the
joys of each new vintage. My in-depth
knowledge of the wine market in Florida—from
the perspective of both distributor and
supplier—
has been a tremendous
asset in my work for Folio Fine Wine
Partners, and I’m thrilled to be
working with the Michael Mondavi family,
for whom I have the utmost respect.
I started out at National Distributing
Company as a sales rep in the grocery chain
division, and then moved to Southern Wine & Spirits
as an on-premise sales rep. I was interested
in the supply side of the business, and
soon went to work for a small brokerage.
In 1991, I had just been hired by Paterno
Imports when I got the true break of my
career—a job at the Robert Mondavi
Corporation. At Robert Mondavi I enjoyed
a variety of positions, and was working
as Florida Area Manager at the time the
company was sold. At that time I began
working for Southern Wine & Spirits
as Florida Director of Marketing for Wine,
but shortly thereafter I realized that
I was much happier as a supplier and jumped
at the chance to work for Michael and his
family when the opportunity arose. I’ve
been with Folio since October 2005.
I was born and raised in Florida, and
I live in Deerfield Beach with my beloved
dog, Sally |

|
Susie Mayr
Business Manager—Mountain Territory and Partner
I bring a passion for fine wine, wine
education and a commitment to customer
service—not to mention in-depth
knowledge of the Colorado and Arizona
markets—to Folio Fine Wine Company.
I fell in love with wine while managing
restaurants, writing wine lists, and
educating restaurant wait staff on wine
and wine service.
I left the restaurant
business for an on-premise sales position
with National Distributing in the Denver
metro area. In 2000, after successfully
developing and working several territories
for five years with National, I joined
the Robert Mondavi Corporation as the
Colorado Account Manager. At Robert Mondavi
I was recognized for my strong presentation
skills and my ability to develop strong
relationships with accounts.
In addition to sales and marketing experience,
I have been pursuing my own wine education
and developing consumer wine education
programs. I have successfully completed
both the Introductory Sommelier Course
through the Court of Master Sommeliers
and the Certified Specialist of Wine program
through the Society of Wine Educators.
I have enjoyed conducting wine seminars
at events such as the Park Hyatt Beaver
Creek Wine Symposium, the Steamboat Wine
Festival and the Breckenridge Wine Festival,
as well as developing wine education programs
for venues like City Wine, a “Best
of Denver” fine wine shop and the
Professional Culinary Program at Cook Street
Culinary School in Golden, CO. Beginning
in January of 2007, I’ll be appearing
on Plum TV, which airs in the Vail and
Aspen markets, in a short wine segment.
I live in the hills above Golden, Colorado
(just a quick trip away from my favorite
ski mountains), with my partner Christian,
and our two kids, Sebastian and Grace. |

|
| |
|
Nicole Niebisch
Market Manager—Metro New York and Partner
I joined Folio in 2006 from our New York distributor where I was a Manhattan sales rep focused on on-premise fine wine sales. Stemming from my family, I have always had a longstanding passion and appreciation of good food and wine, which ultimately veered me
away from a budding career in advertising, to work as a sommelier in several New York restaurants. It was then that I began studying wine formally and continue to do so through the WSET Diploma program. I have come to discover that learning about wine and its ever evolving industry is a lifelong endeavor- one that I am thrilled to be able to pursue. Folio has been a unique opportunity to work with an exceptional portfolio of wines from around the world alongside a very talented and dynamic group of people who all share a passion for wine and our business.
|
 |
Gustavo Ortega
Cellar Worker 2, Folio Winemakers' Studio and Partner
Bio information to come.
|
 |
Monica Perry
Customer Support Specialist and Partner
I joined Folio Fine Wine Partners with
more than ten years of customer service
experience in the wine industry. I started
with Diageo at the Glen Ellen Winery
then moved to Golden State Vintners and
Robert Mondavi Corporation. This industry
is full of interesting, unique people,
and at Folio I believe I work with some
of the best. Their passion and enthusiasm
is contagious.
I’m a wine country native, born
and raised in Napa, California. |

|
|
|
Jeanette Schandelmier
Quality Control Manager, Folio Winemakers' Studio and Partner
I came to Folio Wine Company after working at Robert Mondavi Winery for 12 ½ years with my last position being QC Manager. I got my BS in Biology at Hayward State and then did my California
Medical Technologist internship at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. I won the Med Tech Student of the Year award and went on to work at CSMC for several more years before returning home to the Bay Area. When the endocrinologist I was working for sold his lab, I stayed home with my two daughters for a few years and then decided to try the wine industry rather than medical. I thought I could work a few months a year, during harvest, and have the rest of the time for fun. But no, work was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. I had never gone into hysterics over a standard curve, but it happened. I found my niche.
The winery lab arena sadly lacked the kind of quality control which the medical world took for granted, so I brought my experience to Robert Mondavi Winery and forced everyone to embrace it. I am proud to have trained dozens of lab techs about wine analysis and quality control, and enjoy seeing so many of them succeed in the industry.
When Tony Coltrin called to see if I wanted to start a lab from nothing and help make wine, I tried to say no, but somehow he, Diane Simpson and Rob Mondavi persuaded me to leave my comfort zone and make the switch. I’m so glad they did, because I’m learning about all the facets of the wine business. I can feel my brain getting more convolutions with each new task I undertake. The Mondavi family is gracious and kind, my coworkers are totally groovy, and the new lab is righteous. In my spare time I enjoy horses, fishing and long walks on the beach. It’s a new level of satisfaction.
|
 |
Bill Stevens
Business Manager and Partner
As National Chains Director for Folio
Fine Wine Partners, I love working with
our terrific team and educating consumers,
wholesalers and retailers about our outstanding
portfolio of wines. It’s a privilege
to be part of an industry that brings
people together
and adds to their quality
of life.
I bring extensive wine industry sales
experience to Folio, from my first positions
at Gallo and Heidelberg Distributors to
the Robert Mondavi Corp. After the company
was sold in 2004, I moved to Olinger Distributing
Company. I was very excited to join the
Folio Fine Wine Partners team when an opportunity
became available.
I was born in the Bronx, New York, home
of the 27-time World Champion New York
Yankees. I enjoy spending time with my
wonderful family. My wife, Peggy, is a
former LPGA Golf professional and current
wine enthusiast; my son, Henry and daughter
Lucy excel in school and are very passionate
about the sports they participate in. Henry
loves football and golf. Lucy loves kickball,
basketball and golf. Who knows, one day
when I retire I may become a full time
caddie on two different tours. Let’s
hope…
|
 |
Brooke Tarkin
Market Manager—Illinois and Partner
I first became fascinated with wine
while working in the restaurant business
during high school and college. After
school, I pursued a career in the industry,
starting with the Romano Brothers Beverage
Company in Chicago. In 1998, I joined
the Robert Mondavi Corporation as a Business
Manager. My background in wine sales
and marketing has been a tremendous asset
in my daily work with accounts and distributors.
I love the passion, romance and mystery
of wine; I love that there is never a "wrong
choice" or "wrong answer" when
it comes to what people like or experience,
and sharing wine with others—helping
them discover new favorites—is endlessly
rewarding. This ideal is found in
everything we do at Folio Fine Wine Partners.
My daughter is my pride and joy, and my
favorite things include spending time with
her, watching her learn and grow! |

|
Aaron Velasco
Bottling Line Lead and Partner
My name is Aaron Velasco and I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico on July 8, 1978. As a young child, I had a dream to come to the United States. In 1998 I was blessed to make my dream come true. I came to help myself to become a better person and to learn a skill that I could use to earn a
living with pride and honor.
In 1999 I had the good fortune to start to work for Sonoma Creek Winery; it was here that I truly began to fulfill one of my main goals in life. This opportunity took me in 2000 to work for Viansa winery, where I had the pleasure and good fortune to meet Derek Irwin who helped and guided me. He was generous with his knowledge of wine making, he taught me the importance and the know how of the bottling line in the wine making process. He also gave me the love for the wine making process that pushed me to learn more and more.
With time, life put in my path another man by the name of Eric Hansen. He also took time to share with me, his knowledge of the wine industry. He was relentless in correcting my mistakes but not once did I feel hurt or humiliated by his correction, as he was gentle but firm with me. Knowledge that Eric gave me, I will have and use for the rest of my life. I hope to be able to continue to work in the wine industry, which I have grown to love.
In 2006, I had the opportunity to move to Folio Winemakers’ Studio, where I continue to learn and improve my skills. This progress would not have happened without Eric Hansen’s belief and trust in me. I need to thank Michael Mondavi and family for giving me their trust, belief and confidence. I also want to thank Tony, Diane and all my co-workers for their support. Thank you all.
|

|
Thomas Vogele
Business Manager—Western Region and Partner
After 15 years in the wine industry
and having already had many memorable
experiences, I feel fortunate to be a
part of the start-up of Folio Fine Wine
Partners. It is an exciting opportunity—to
build a unique company with some of the
most well regarded people in the wine
industry.
I have always believed that the wine business
is a lifestyle, and I have never felt like
I am going to a nine-to-five job. After
college, I began my career with the E&J
Gallo Winery in Seattle, then moved to
Austria to open up the country for Gallo.
I also managed our business in Poland and
did some market work in Switzerland. When
I returned to Seattle, I took a position
with Trinchero Family Estates. In the year
2000 I made a move to the Robert Mondavi
Company, where I met many of my Folio colleagues.
I’m grateful to the early “boot-camp” wine
industry training I received at Gallo followed
by the refinement I gained at Trinchero
and Robert Mondavi. The experiences gave
me self-confidence, a desire to continue
to learn, and an innate sense of urgency
to improve professionally and to build
strong business relationships.
My parents are from Zurich, Switzerland,
and both my sisters and I hold dual-citizenships.
I was born and raised in Seattle, and these
days I have my own family—a wonderful
wife and three young sons. |

|
| |
|
|