Bazán Family
Mario Bazán
Mario Bazán, an immigrant from Oaxaca, México, arrived in the Napa Valley in 1973. Charmed by its beauty, he settled here and began his life's work in the vineyards.
In 1979, after a few years working for prestigious companies such as Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Vyborny Vineyard Management Company, among others, Mario went to work for Robert Mondavi Winery. There, he began as a general laborer, then tractor driver, mechanic's assistant, finally working his way up to foreman. It was in that position, in 1982, that he was put in charge of outside management for Opus One, Sonapa and To-kalon Vineyards.
After 16 years with Robert Mondavi, Mario had honed his skills and been dreaming for some time of running his own business. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, where he teamed with Michael Silacci, winemaker, and Julia Winiarski, was his last stop before this dream came true. In 1997, Mario left Stags Leap to run his own company.
Mario Bazán Vineyard Management has been in operation since 1997, and in 2005 Mario made the leap to the wine industry, appointing Victoria Coleman in charge of the project. He met Victoria at Stags Leap, while she was working as Michael Silacci's assistant, and Mario knew from day one that she would bring incredible enology skills to the endeavor.
There is no doubt that Mario Bazán has taken advantage of the opportunities life has presented him. A humble man who takes tremendous pride in his work, Mario has demonstrated both passion and joy for every step of the vine cycle, from the pruning to the harvest. His experience and dedication to excellence have coaxed him, to capture the essence of grape growing in a bottle.
Salud!
Gloria Bazán
Gloria Bazán was born in Michoacán, Mexico. A graduate from the University of Michoacán dental school, she obtained a specialty in pediatric dentistry at the Mexican Army University in 1992, and practiced at her private clinic in Morelia, Michoacán until April of 2005.
Gloria met and developed a romance with Mario through the Internet in July of 2003. After 2 years of long-distance dating, they were married. She gave up her dental practice in Mexico and moved to Napa, California, to live with her husband. Gloria now shares her life with Mario, their twins Antonio and Alexander, a dog and a cat.
"2005 was a great year for me," reflects Gloria. "I got married in February, moved to Napa in May, and started working in the wine business in October. Things happen when they are meant to be. I am very happy taking care of my husband, my kids, and helping in the family business."
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