How Andrea Bartolucci created a wine empire! | Madonna Estate (2nd oldest winery in Napa California)

Napa Valley’s Andrea Bartolucci pulls back the curtain on the hidden truths of winemaking, family business, and what it takes to thrive for a century.

Andrea Bartolucci is the proprietor of Madonna Estate and Madonna Vineyards, Napa’s second-oldest vineyard, founded by his Italian immigrant grandfather in 1922. A third-generation vintner, he’s led the family business to focus on organic, high-quality wines, producing 50,000 gallons annually. Now he’s confronting winemaking myths—from why passion trumps profit to how quality grapes, not branding, define great wine.

In this episode, Andrea Bartolucci reveals:
◽️ The SHOCKING prohibition-era winery survival trick!
◽️ Why he stuck with family vineyards!
◽️ The secret to Napa’s best wines!
◽️ How crop insurance saves disaster losses!
◽️ The mindset to outlast Napa competitors!

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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:21 Three generations of Bartolucci winemaking
01:24 Surviving prohibition by selling grapes
01:54 Growing up with wine culture
02:10 Life in Napa’s vineyards as a child
03:47 Expanding from 24 to 275 acres
04:31 Quality vs. quantity in winemaking
04:52 Why good grapes make great wine
05:50 Differentiating Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
06:43 Matching grapes to Napa’s climate
07:11 Family legacy: Why kids joined winery
09:45 How vineyards grow under strict regulations
12:10 Producing 50,000 gallons with 120 acres
13:16 Custom crush: Boosting winery income
13:33 Family meetings for winery’s future
16:20 Crop insurance against fires, frost
18:09 Choosing wine: It’s all about taste
19:34 Napa’s cost barrier to new vintners
20:39 Passion drives Andrea’s winery devotion
22:59 Biggest regret: Staying too conservative
23:15 Tractor mishap: A childhood memory
27:04 Why wine doesn’t age forever
28:32 Speeding up wine aging risks
30:08 Location drives Napa wine quality
34:11 Branding vs. real wine quality
35:57 Competing in Napa’s crowded market
37:42 Upgrading barrels for better flavor
40:08 Winemaking mirrors raising daughters
42:57 Farming reality: Nature controls outcomes
44:52 Frost challenges in vineyard history
47:27 Organic farming since 1976
49:08 Grandfather’s advice: Accept gifts gratefully
51:39 Core value: Treat others fairly
52:44 Doubling down through adversity
53:06 One message: Find your passion
53:50 Reliving daughters’ birth moments
54:13 Legacy: Fairness and respect
54:55 What’s next for Andrea
55:12 One takeaway: Love your work

📌 Resources
Andrea Bartolucci:
◽️ Website: madonnaestate.com
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/madonnaestate

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): x.com/harveybsmith_

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risk