TAGG Talk: Dina Mondavi

Talk about a woman you’d like to grab a glass of wine with. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dina Mondavi aboard the Norwegian Escape (incredible new cruise ship), last fall as she was giving a behind-the-scenes look at the ship’s The Cellars Wine Bar by the Mondavi Family. We all know the Mondavi family name and I was immediately blown away by Dina’s approachable and sincere demeanor, completely engaged in our conversation and equally interested in elevating the wine experience for everyone in the room.

As a talented woman with a beautiful spirit, I’m thrilled to share more about her (I’m now totally curious to try her Japanese bath cloths, mentioned below!).

Name: Dina Lucia Mondavi Rosas

Position + company: Founder and MMFE (Michael Mondavi Family Estate) Ambassador

… And this means? My father, mother, brother and I started Michael Mondavi Family Estate. We are “purveyors of fine wines from the world’s premiere and emerging wine regions.” I promote and sell our family wines in the US and abroad, mostly Canada, China, Japan, Korea and Panama.  I help craft the wines during harvest and later at blend sessions.

Professionally, I’ve learned that: No one person gets there alone, it is always a team effort and we have assembled a fantastic team.  I have also learned from the best, my father, Michael Mondavi.

My go-to beauty products that make me feel like a rock star: I am very much into exfoliation.  I use these great Japanese scrub cloths recommended by my best friend called Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Wash Cloth/towel. I scrub my whole body and the soles of my feet daily.  Then a lot of a moisturizer, yes, all over, but no soles. I like Dermalogica ultra rich body cream.

The pair of shoes that make me confident I can conquer the day:  Old school New Balance 515 and 574.  I have pairs in Charcoal, Burgundy and Turquoise.  I am still on the hunt for a pair of heels that make me feel on top of the world- open to suggestions!

Favorite ways to power down and recharge, even just for five minutes: Take a shower or make a cocktail. Or a cocktail in the shower!  I have a few hours, I love Thai massages; I feel taller after they work on me!

Go-to gadgets, apps and old-school techniques that help me get it all done:  A small notebook (and pen) I keep in my purse to jot down anything anything on my mind.

In my fridge you’d find: White wine and a lot of hot sauce—I collect it when I vacation.  I love to cook so there is always an array of fresh vegetables.

My go-to, can’t fail recipe (i.e. your fav dinner for one or a major dinner party) I make an oven style Carnitas (slow-cooked pork).  In fact, it was recently requested for a dear friend’s couples baby shower. For sides, I make pinto beans, Spanish rice, guacamole and salsa– all from scratch!

I also love to make chicken cacciatore from a recipe I learned when I was living in Florence- it’s delicious!

Ok, spill… any random tip, DIY, time or money saver that you love telling your friends?

We all know how pesky red wine stains can be and I definitely had my fair share growing up with winemakers. My insider’s tip is to use white wine to get out red wines stains. While the stain is still wet, pour a bit of white over red, then launder as usual. This should work, unless you’re dealing with exceptionally inky wine.

Every woman should be: Confident! (even if not well rested).