In its short life the Small Fortune podcast has talked to a number of professionals who were “there at the beginning” of the modern American wine industry and today is a wonderful example:  Fritz Hatton and Carol Collison talk about the history of the American wine auction, in which Fritz was a central player.  Early in his successful career at Christie’s, he helped to organize the first commercial wine auction in the United States, which was held in 1980.  The next year, Robert Mondavi and the Napa Valley Vintners held their first charity auction, Auction Napa Valley (which coincidentally is happening the week we are publishing this episode).  Fritz held the gavel for 26 years at this important event, which has raised tens of millions of dollars for local Napa community programs.  He also tells the story of his wine label, Arietta, which was founded from a mutual love of wine and classical music by Fritz and John Kongsgaard.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://ariettawine.com/

https://www.collectivenapavalley.org/

Questions?  Comments?  [email protected]

Sponsor: Global Wine Partners https://www.globalwinebank.com/

Music: Nate Collison

Logo Photography: John Corcoran