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Passion Play
Working hard and following dreams make
Gina Gallo a great winemaker
By Gena Chreiteh
There was
never any doubt in Gina Gallo’s mind where she wanted to work. “My
parents are both such great role models for me,” says Gina. “My
mom always volunteered, to give back to our community. And seeing the
enthusiasm in my Dad, and Grampa, too, made you want to join the family
business.”
And work begins young for little Gallos. “You didn’t grow up
Gallo and not work,” recalls Gina. “The basic work ethic is very
strong. By the time I was in grade school I was used to tagging along behind
my older brother in the vineyard right by the house. He was pruning, which
was his job, and my job was to help.”
Gina started her official career at Gallo of Sonoma dressed in suits, working
in sales. Less than a year into it though she switched to dungarees and
learned to craft fine wine in the University of California at Davis winemaking
program. “It was pure magic for me,” says Gina, “a real
self-discovery.” Her decision may have turned a few heads in the wine
business, but she’s satisfied to have found her passion. “If
you follow that passion, it’s most rewarding, ” she says.
Her new passion in the cellar is Pinot Noir. “I love Burgundy-styled
Pinot Noir,” claims Gina. The challenge, she says, “is to get
more people to enjoy it. But at $30 a bottle?” She believes that there
are too many mediocre Pinot Noirs on the market now. “The reason is
that Pinot Noir requires a focused environment. It’s not very adaptable
and it’s not forgiving in the winery.”
Gina adds that understanding food is essential to making good wine, no
matter what variety. “I don’t know a good winemaker who doesn’t
understand the cuisine.” And the understanding doesn’t stop with
just food. “There’s still so much to learn and that’s what’s
exciting.”
Gena Chreiteh is a freelance writer, a nutritionist
and a full-time mom who
lives in Peachtree City, Ga.
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