Andrea Card - Francis Ford Coppola Winery
In this episode, Andrea shares her unique journey to becoming the Director of Winemaking at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Starting her career without the initial intention of entering winemaking, she found her path through roles in the laboratory, cellar, and bottling lines, developing a passion for the hands-on aspects of the craft. Andrea highlights the value of practical experience, local education, and her commitment to continual learning, which eventually led her to oversee the winemaking team at FFC. She discusses adapting to changes like the acquisition by Delicato Family Wines, her focus on mentorship and team guidance, and her philosophy of keeping winemaking rooted in the region’s character.
The conversation covers the structure and innovation at FFC, including their iconic wine programs, creative approaches to blending, and the development of new products such as low-alcohol, low-calorie wines. Andrea explains the logistics of vineyard sourcing across California, their strategies for maintaining quality and consistency, and the balance between digital tools and traditional whiteboards in managing production. She also offers insights into industry trends, the winery’s club and visitor experience, and her role representing the brand through travel and events, always aiming to empower her team and stay connected to the evolving world of wine
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