The CK Mondavi and Family ‘G4’ is Poised to take the Reigns
Jun 07, 2019 01:30PM ● By Fran Miller
A G4 partial: Giovanna, Riana, Alycia, and Angelina Mondavi
BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER
It was 1943 when Cesare and Rosa Mondavi moved to the Napa Valley and purchased the Charles Krug Winery. Winemaking was an important part of their Italian heritage and, together with sons Robert and Peter, they created CK Mondavi and Family – now one of the most successful wine brands in America featuring a line of approachable and reasonably priced ($6.99!) varietals that grace the tables of wine lovers across the country. Remarkably, the company remains family-owned with third and fourth generation family members now at the helm.
For four decades CK Mondavi and Family was led by Peter Mondavi, Sr. and his sons Marc and Peter Jr. who now lead the company, each of whom works side-by-side with their wives (Janice and Katie) and their children (known as the G4 squad) to continue the family’s legacy. The Mondavi G4 includes Marc and Janice's four daughters, Alycia, Angelina, Riana, and Giovanna, and Peter and Katie’s son Lucio and daughter Lia. Their individual apprenticeships with the winery have created a shared passion for continuing their family heritage, and each of them brings his or her own expertise to the business, creating leadership diversity.
The company’s success is also based on the artistry of its winemaking team, and on the relationships enjoyed with key California grape growers, the majority of whom have partnered with the Mondavi family for generations; those such as Joe and Sherry Cotta from Joe A. Cotta Vineyards in Galt, Jim Molles of Molles Vineyards in Lodi, Wendy Moore of Moore Vineyards in Lodi, and Jerry Haugg of Triple H Farming in Manteca. Head winemaker Randy Herron works directly with these growers in overseeing every aspect from harvest to bottling. (Herron also oversees the family’s own 1,850 acres of estate vineyards.)
The CK Mondavi and Family lineup of wine varietals includes: pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, moscato, a red blend, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and a newly released sunset sweet red blend – a luscious, smooth, full-bodied wine featuring flavors of strawberry and dark plum - part of a limited-quantity seasonal series designed to spark curiosity with consumers.
“We know our consumers are open to trying new wines,” says Herron. “Introducing these limited-time offerings allows us to harness their excitement, and give our fans something special to pair with the season. We’re using this as an opportunity to have some fun with flavor development while keeping in the CK Mondavi and Family tradition of quality, everyday wines.”
