"The Cycles of Demand in the Wine Industry"

On October 7, 2025, Michael Mondavi generously joined us as part of the Walt Klenz Lectureship on Wine Business. Michael Mondavi, Founder and Chairman of Folio Fine Wine Partners, has witnessed many ups and downs in the wine industry over the decades. In a lively lecture, he discussed the history of the Napa Valley, how it evolved into what we know today, and how it weathered significant swings over the decades. He also shared insights and opportunities regarding the current downturn in wine consumption with guests, students, alumni and faculty. 

Special thanks to Michael Mondavi Family Estate for donating Oberon Napa Valley Chardonnay and Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for the welcome reception.

Speakers:

Michael Mondavi is known as the “quiet icon” among his friends and colleagues and is widely credited with helping to establish and build the Napa Valley wine industry as it is known today.

Raised at the Charles Krug winery in St Helena, Michael’s career began in 1966 when he and his father Robert, co-founded the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, Napa Valley. He served in many positions at the winery, including winemaker for the first eight harvests, including the celebrated 1974. From 1969 to 1978, Michael served as Vice President of Sales. He was named Managing Director and CEO in 1990 and, following the company’s public offering in 1994, was appointed President and CEO. He later served as Chairman from 2001 to 2004.

In 1999, Michael, along with his wife Isabel and their two children, Rob Jr. and Dina, purchased the Animo vineyard on Atlas Peak. This marked the first chapter of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate, creating a sustainable legacy to be passed down to the next generation.

In 2004, they launched Folio Fine Wine Partners – a full-service wine importer and marketing agency that was born of Michael’s strong belief and vision that the best wines in the world would be produced by wineries that are family-owned and family-managed. Today, Folio is focused on representing the finest portfolio from esteemed family-owned producers from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, France, Austria and Mondavi’s own family portfolio from California.

Recognized as one of the global emissaries of California wine, Michael has been actively involved for decades in industry affairs and numerous civic activities. He has held roles as Chairman and CEO of various industry bodies, including the Wine Market Council, Napa Valley Vintners, California Wine Institute, and Winegrowers of California. In 2015, the Wine Enthusiast named Michael their 2015 Person of the Year, recognizing his contributions to the US wine industry.

Michael and his wife, Isabel, reside in Napa Valley, close to their children and their respective families.

Walt Klenz began his California wine industry career in 1973. In 1976, he was named Director of Marketing at Beringer Vineyards. Klenz held several senior marketing, financial, and operations positions at Beringer until his appointment in 1990 as President. After Beringer was sold to Foster's Group in 2000, he headed Foster's global wine business. Klenz served on the Advisory Board of ASC Fine Wines from 2008 to 2010 and on the Board of Directors of J. Lohr Winery and Columbia Sportswear Company. He is a past Napa Valley Vintners President and a past Wine Institute Chairman.

About:

This event is part of the Walt Klenz Lectureship Series on Wine Business, which brings leading figures in the domestic and international wine business to the institute for evenings of talks, insights, and unique perspectives about the wine industry.

Questions?

If you have questions about this event, please email rmievents@ucdavis.edu.