SONOMA, Calif. (May 4, 2023)—Napa’s Whitehall Lane has been called a best-kept secret in Napa. One of the region’s few remaining family-run wineries, the company is known for its humble and welcoming hospitality, honest wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux grapes, and bottles at prices that make you feel like you have a winemaker for a friend. As the Leonardini family celebrates its 30th anniversary with Whitehall Lane, it has partnered with Balzac Communications and Marketing to help it increase outreach to wine lovers and professionals.
Whitehall Lane was purchased by Tom Leonardini Sr. in 1993. Over the last 30 years, the Leonardini family has grown the winery from a small producer with a single vineyard to a brand with a robust portfolio of wines and eight vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. Tom, now in his 80s, has passed a love for the wine business on to his children and grandchildren, who are now in charge of day-to-day operations and charting a future course for the family business. Katie Leonardini is vice president of operations. Tom Jr. now serves as vice president of distribution and his son, Tom III, is the cellarmaster. Katie’s oldest son, William Melancon, graduated from Cornell University with a viticulture/oenology degree this year.
Whitehall Lane is known for charming, old-fashioned hospitality and a wide range of wines. While the focus is on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet blends and Merlot, the family also produces Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, sparkling and single-vineyard wines.
Looking to the future, Whitehall Lane sees a continued focus on sustainability, creativity in winemaking, investment in top-of-the-line vineyard and winery technology to ensure it continues to make the best wines. Balzac Communications and Marketing, which specializes in luxury clients in verticals such as wine and spirits, will be there along the way.
“We’ve thought for a long time about working with a public relations firm, and when we met the Balzac team, we knew we have found the right partner,” said Katie Leonardini. “In Balzac, we see a like-minded group of people with similar values, experience working with luxury brands and companies that cover multiple market segments, and a real talent for helping brands share their story in a meaningful way. We look forward to working closely with them.”
“The Leonardini family represents the very best of Napa,” said Mike Wangbickler, president of Balzac Communications and Marketing. “It is family owned but also family operated, and run with smart and sustainable business practices. The wines are well made and reflect the best the region can produce. They’re connected to their history but also looking to the future. Their future looks bright, and we are excited to work with them as they move their vision forward.”
About Balzac Communications and Marketing
Balzac Communications and Marketing is a PR and marketing agency based in Sonoma, California, that delivers tailored solutions for clients with values that align with its own. Its mission is to guide clients through the process of achieving their vision and transforming their business through sustainable growth, teamwork, transparency and inclusivity. Leveraging more than 30 years of marketing and public relations experience, it has built solutions and strategies that have saved clients time, decreased costs, built brands and helped sell products faster to key audiences. Balzac serves multiple market segments, including luxury beverages, travel, food, agriculture and land, and public policy and government.
