GUERNEVILLE, CA, March 2, 2023 – As we celebrate Women’s History Month and its 2023 theme “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” F. Korbel & Bros. would like to toast the exceptional women whose contributions helped build a legacy in California champagne.
In 1932, Theresa Korbel (widow of co-founder Anton Korbel) was named President of F. Korbel & Bros. Under her capable direction, the winery sold over 2,000 cases of Korbel California champagnes after the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
Korbel’s next generation was at the helm beside her during this period, with the founders’ daughters Caroline Korbel and Martha T. Korbel serving as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. Upon Theresa’s passing in 1939, Caroline became President of the company, and effectively guided Korbel into the tumultuous new decade. The Korbel Family continued to expand both the winery and vineyards over the next 15 years.
In 1954, the Korbel Family sold the winery to the Heck Family, ushering in a new talented Vice President Secretary/Treasurer – Richie Catherine Heck. Korbel’s production hovered around 5,000 cases at the start of this new era. Richie C. contributed to the acceleration of production to over one million cases by 1985.
For the last 25 years, Director of Winemaking Erica Mandl has been instrumental in the growth and success of the quality of Korbel California champagnes. She credits strong teamwork and awareness of trends and advances in winemaking as the key ingredients in creating such consistently high-quality products at reasonable prices. Generating 1,500,000 cases annually that have yielded countless accolades and numerous awards, her commitment and passion to winemaking and Korbel adds another extraordinary chapter to our story.
Today, we have so much to celebrate. With a legacy spanning over 141 years, there have been many dedicated women whose individual contributions have helped shape Korbel’s unique success – here’s to all of them! We are grateful for the roles they have played in making Korbel the storied brand it is today.
About F. Korbel & Bros.
Established in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular méthode champenoise champagne. The true measure of Korbel’s success during its 141 years can be seen in the impact it has had on American consumers and its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country’s most respected brandies.
