Tony Coltrin,
Director of Winemaking
Folio Fine Wine Partners
Tony Coltrin brings more than 35 years of winemaking experience to his role as Director of Winemaking, which includes making wines for Hangtime. He grew up in St. Helena, working and playing in the vineyards, and one day the grandfather of one of his closest friends suggested Tony work a harvest at Robert Mondavi Winery. In 1973, Robert Mondavi Winery was leading the industry in innovative practices. The harvest experience peaked Tony’s interest and turned into a 30-year-long career with Robert and Michael Mondavi that went from dragging hoses and shoveling fermenters in the cellar to becoming Cellarmaster and then Winemaker. When the company sold, Tony joined Michael Mondavi and his son Rob in making the fine wines of Folio.
”Over the years I have come to believe that great wine is not only a reflection of soil, climate, and grape varieties, but equally an intimate expression of the passion of the people behind it,” says Tony. “If the grapes are the heart of a wine…the people are its soul.”
Tony finds inspiration from his family, including his artistic mother, his wife, Sandra—an artist and pastry chef—and his son, Sam. He’s also been inspired by the grandfather of his childhood friend, and by his continuing relationship with the Michael Mondavi family.
In his spare time, Tony’s passion for the outdoors equals his passion for winemaking. He cycles, fly fishes, kayaks, surfs, hunts, runs, skis cross-country, plays baseball and soccer, and tinkers with his motorcycles—all with Sam at his side.