Historic Vineyard and World Renowned Wine Estate Prepares for a Major Milestone
Napa, Calif. November 28, 2018 — Larkmead Vineyards announced today that Colangelo & Partners, a fine wine and spirits integrated communications agency, will be its agency of record to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy targeted to key trade, consumer and media stakeholders. The partnership comes at a significant time for Larkmead, which will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2020.
With the establishment of this new partnership, Colangelo & Partners will work to increase overall brand awareness and market presence for the brand, through a strategic combination of media outreach, winemaker tours, press trips, influencer marketing, and event marketing. Larkmead joins a growing roster of California accounts at the agency including Charles Krug Winery, Long Meadow Ranch, Artesa Vineyards and Winery, Roederer Estate and Purple Wine + Spirits.
“Larkmead has been under our family’s stewardship for 70 years. Over that time, we have invested in the vineyards, built a new winery and revamped our guest experience,” comments proprietor, Cam Baker. “We’re excited to share our archive of stories about the historic Larkmead property and the integral part we have played in the development of the Napa Valley.” Larkmead has a virtual treasure trove of original 19th century photos, 20th century vineyard maps, pre-prohibition awards records and more.
With its long and rich history, Larkmead has played a fundamental role in the transformation of Napa Valley into one of the preeminent wine regions in the world. First established in 1895, Larkmead Vineyards has been in the hands of the same family since 1948. Current proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker have worked in recent years to fine-tune Larkmead’s viticultural and cellar techniques to most accurately express the vineyard’s voice. Winemaker Dan Petroski captures the nuance and complexity of the 110-acre site by vinifying small lots according to clonal selection and soil type. Petroski was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2017.
“We love working with family-owned companies that have great stories and produce world-class wines,” comments Colangelo & Partners’ president, Gino Colangelo. “Larkmead is a perfect fit for our portfolio, and we’re excited to begin helping them achieve their communications goals.”
About Larkmead
The historic Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned establishments in Napa Valley. Originally founded in 1895, Larkmead is now under the stewardship of proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker. Kate’s parents, Larry and Polly Solari, purchased Larkmead in 1948. Kate spent her childhood in the valley, exploring a bygone Napa dominated by prune and walnut orchards, hayfields, cattle ranches, and acres of empty fields. Her parents were aware of Larkmead’s storied past, and sought to honor its legacy, a philosophy they passed down to Kate and her husband. The Bakers have been the dynamic force behind Larkmead’s transformation from a historic vineyard into a world-renowned wine estate. During the first 10 years of their ownership, they directed a complete replanting of the property, tailoring the selection of varieties, clones, and rootstock to suit the special characteristics of each individual block. In 2006, they built the first phase of a state-of-the-art winery on the property so that each vineyard block could have its own dedicated vinification tank. Designed by architect Howard Backen, an old family friend, the farmhouse and production facility are both classic and comfortable, providing a place for peaceful reflection away from a busy and demanding world. These days, Cam and Kate’s children and grandchildren are often found at the estate, continuing the family tradition at Larkmead into its fourth generation. https://www.larkmead.com/
About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on ‘closing the loop’ between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. Founded in 2006, Colangelo & Partners was honored as one of the year’s top integrated communications firms at the 2013 Agency Elite Awards and for one of the best digital marketing campaigns at the 2014 Digital PR Awards. http://www.colangelopr.com/
