WASHINGTON, D.C., 01/08/2025 — Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is proud to announce Michael Mondavi, Napa Valley visionary and entrepreneur, as the recipient of the 2025 Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award. Michael was selected by the committee for exhibiting the defining qualities of a H.E.R.O. — Humanitarian, Ethical, Respectful and One-of-a-kind — as exemplified by the award’s namesake, Ray Herrmann.
“We’re thrilled to honor Michael Mondavi, a true pioneer who has helped shape the Napa Valley wine industry into the global treasure it is today,” said WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton. “Michael’s visionary leadership and commitment to sustainability, family values and philanthropy embody the very essence of what it means to be a H.E.R.O. His contributions to wine lovers everywhere, the region, the broader community and the industry are nothing short of inspiring.”
“The Ray Herrmann Award honors our esteemed Chairman Emeritus, Ray Herrmann, a titan in the beverage alcohol industry whose leadership and values laid a foundation for Breakthru Beverage Group’s success,” said Charlie Merinoff Co-Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group. “Congratulations to Michael Mondavi on receiving this well-deserved award. Michael truly embodies the integrity, ethics, and philanthropy that are a hallmark of this honor.”
Michael Mondavi has spent his entire life in winemaking, playing a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant Napa Valley wine region. After being raised at the Charles Krug winery, he co-founded the Robert Mondavi Winery with his father in 1966, serving in various roles including winemaker, CEO and Chairman. His innovative approach and dedication to quality helped elevate Napa Valley’s reputation in the global marketplace. In 1999, he and his family established the Michael Mondavi Family Estate, emphasizing sustainability and producing acclaimed wines under the “Napa Green Certified Winery” distinction.
In 2004, Mondavi launched Folio Fine Wine Partners, a company dedicated to representing family-owned wineries worldwide — furthering his lifelong goal of supporting family-managed wine production. Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Mondavi has been a tireless advocate for the wine industry, holding leadership roles in key organizations like the Napa Valley Vintners and the Wine Institute. Honored as Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 Person of the Year, Mondavi and his legacy reflect profound contributions to both California wine and the global wine community.
The Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award, created by WSWA and Breakthru Beverage Group (BBG) and sponsored by BBG, celebrates the remarkable legacy of Ray Herrmann, a distinguished leader in the wine and spirits industry known for his integrity, philanthropy and humanitarian spirit. This annual award recognizes an individual who embodies Herrmann’s core qualities by granting $20,000 to be donated to a charity of the recipient’s choice.
The H.E.R.O. Award seeks to honor Herrmann's enduring impact while encouraging others to strive for excellence and leave a meaningful mark on the industry and beyond. The award will be officially presented to Mondavi in February at WSWA’s Access LIVE, the industry’s premier event bringing together all three tiers of the wine and spirits industry to connect, innovate and grow.
“It is a true honor to receive the H.E.R.O Award to celebrate Ray Herrmann’s memory. Ray was one of my most influential business mentors, and taught me the importance of making the right business decisions, always with integrity. Ray also taught me the true importance of strong leadership and it’s a value that I hold dear in my own businesses, today,“ said Mondavi.
To learn more, please visit accesslive.wswa.org or connect with WSWA across social platforms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube or follow #AccessLIVE.