Sustainability standout elevates Leonardi amid flagship brand revitalization
Hopland, Calif., May 19, 2021—Fetzer, a sustainability leader and the flagship label of Fetzer Vineyards, has appointed Margaret Leonardi as winemaker. The first woman to lead winemaking for the iconic Fetzer brand in its 50-plus-year history, Leonardi takes the reins of the heritage label as Fetzer unveils new packaging elevating longtime commitments to doing right by people and planet.
Part of the Fetzer Vineyards winemaking team since 2015, Leonardi has overseen flagship label Fetzer’s acclaimed white wines in recent years, garnering more than 20 “Best Buy” commendations from top wine critics[1]. Named to the North Bay Business Journal’s 2021 40 under 40 list of regional executives on the rise, Leonardi assumes responsibility for the complete Fetzer brand collection this year.
“Margaret continues to raise the bar on quality, placing Fetzer wines in a category well above their price while helping to meet to the growing demand for sustainable wine, and making it accessible for all,” noted John Kane, vice president, winemaking and winery operations for Fetzer Vineyards.
Leonardi grew up on an organic dairy farm in Northern California and studied agribusiness at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, including a minor in wine and viticulture. Before joining Fetzer Vineyards, she ran a pilot program experimenting with unique grape varieties and crafted award-winning wines for a diverse array of celebrated brands. With more than 10 harvests behind her, Leonardi balances a thirst for innovation with a dedication to crafting quality wines that win accolades.
Today, Fetzer offers sustainability within reach for shoppers who find products grounded in good in every aisle, and expect this same values-aligned offering from their wines. Fetzer proudly carries the globally recognized B Corp Certification—the B stands for “benefit,” and refers to benefiting workers, the community, customers and the environment—as well as TRUE Zero Waste and CarbonNeutral® certifications, each now clearly called out on the back label of the refreshed Fetzer package.
“This is an exciting moment for Fetzer, and I am proud to embark on the next chapter of the brand’s enduring legacy in California,” said Leonardi. “It feels good to know we are creating delicious wines that people love, while helping to build a more sustainable future.”
About Fetzer
Part of the largest certified B Corp winery in the U.S., Fetzer is building a better tomorrow by making quality wines with a conscience and putting people and planet first. Embodying the B Corp ethos to use business as a force for good, Fetzer crafts delicious, go-to wines that minimize environmental impacts and elevate social responsibility. Head Winemaker Margaret Leonardi—the first woman to lead winemaking for the Fetzer brand in its 50-plus-year history—balances a thirst for innovation with a dedication to quality in every glass of Fetzer wine. The acclaimed collection of any-occasion offerings includes the #1 Gewürztraminer in the U.S., a beloved California Chardonnay, a trio of bright whites—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling—a richly textured Merlot and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Every sip is a step toward a more sustainable future.
View the collection and dive into Fetzer’s sustainability story at fetzer.com, and follow Fetzer’s grounded in good practices online at Instagram and Facebook.
[1] Fetzer white wines, score publication dates March 2018-March 2021: Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits, Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine, Tasting Panel Magazine, Planet Grape (Catherine Fallis, MS), Beverage Tasting Institute, Ultimate Wine Challenge.
