Winemaker Angelina Mondavi, a fourth-generation winemaker, is the only member of the Peter Mondavi Sr. family to pursue the craft of winemaking professionally. She continues her family’s legacy of excellence while balancing forward-thinking with a deep respect for the traditions established years ago.
As the eldest daughter of Marc and Janice Mondavi, Angelina was raised on the family estate. This is where she developed a profound appreciation for both the land and winemaking. Starting at the age of 10, she was inspired by her family’s dedication and enjoyed watching her grandfather in the vineyards, lab, and winery. These memories gave her the tools to create today’s award-winning wines.
Now as a head winemaker, she is proud to continue that legacy, creating wines developed to be cherished for generations.
It all started back in 1861, when Charles Krug from Prussia acquired what is now known as Napa Valley’s oldest wine estate and tasting room. Krug was a pioneer when he established his winery. Many years later, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the iconic estate in 1943.
Now Angelina is rewriting Charles Krug history by breathing life into a wine that has previously been overshadowed. The Chenin Blanc grapes were grafted from her grandfather Peter Mondavi Sr.’s original rootstock.
She makes a modern revival of a classic wine from these new estate vineyard plantings. Angelina’s Chenin Blanc is a blend of two carefully selected clones. The grapes were pressed into a mix of cement eggs, stainless barrels, and small tanks into the 2024 inaugural vintage. This wine is one of Angelina’s most proud accomplishments since spearheading the winemaking program. Charles Krug’s Chenin Blanc marks both a new chapter and a return to Charles Krug’s deep-rooted history.
This current vintage 2025 Limited Release Napa Valley Chenin Blanc offers crispness, yet also creaminess on the palate after the first sip. One detects layers of vibrant citrus and lemongrass balanced by a rounded, soft body with a wisp of ripe pear, honeysuckle, jasmine and honeydew. The pleasing and elegant mineral-driven finish is why Angelina is so proud, and she believes that this Napa Valley Chenin Blanc is one of the greatest in the world. The suggested retail price is $60 a bottle.
As a leader in Napa Valley’s next generation of winemakers, Angelina is at the forefront of transforming the region into a hub for cutting-edge viticulture while honoring its rich history. She brings her expertise to the Charles Krug Family Reserve Collection—the pinnacle of the winery’s portfolio—showcasing the estate vineyards’ vital role in producing exceptional, luxury Cabernet Sauvignon.
In 2021, Angelina’s accomplishments were recognized when she was named one of Napa Valley’s Most Intriguing People and featured as a “Winemaker to Watch” by both San Francisco Magazine and Silicon Valley Magazine.
Beyond her work in the vineyard, Angelina’s love for nature extends to her personal life, where she enjoys fly fishing, beekeeping, and gardening. She shares her home with a lively crew of companions, including her two dogs and two cats, plus a mini potbelly pig, who all add additional joy and a little whimsy to her daily life.
The upcoming Tastings on the Lawn is on October 10, 2026. It’s a celebration of harvest, community, and time spent together. Charles Krug Wine Club members and guests have the opportunity to taste some of the winery’s Limited Release wines and Family Reserve wines. As a benefit of membership, Wine Club members enjoy 20% off event tickets.
