Our History
Zia Lena was Giuseppe's daughter and our beloved great aunt. She took care of everyone.
Roots in Asti
During Prohibition, Giuseppe Mazzoni and Abramo Trusendi produced jug wine inside the iconic weathered barn on Hwy. 101 in Asti, marked with the white lettering advertising "Dr. Pierce’s Medical Discovery." Later, Giuseppe acquired the property as a winemaking facility and vineyard. His sons, Fred and Jim, continued the tradition, making wine there through the 1970s, selling each jug for $2.50. Today, one of those original jugs remains on display in the tasting room.
The muse behind Zialena Winery
Aunt "Zia" Lena, born in 1897, was a cornerstone of the Mazzoni family and the inspiration behind Zialena Winery. Her journey began when she moved to California in 1902, following her father Giuseppe from Carrara, Italy. Despite Giuseppe's absence for the first five years of her life, Aunt Lena forged a resilient spirit that would shape generations to come.
Residing in Geyserville for most of her 96 years, Aunt Lena left an indelible mark on her family and community. She was renowned for introducing the cherished Christmas tradition of crafting ravioli, using the same stamp year after year to create culinary delights for her loved ones. This iconic stamp, symbolizing tradition and familial bond, graces every bottle of Zialena wine, a tribute to her enduring legacy.
Ospitalità Italiana
Mark and Lisa’s mother, Lonnie, now safeguards the cherished ravioli stamp, passing it down annually to perpetuate Aunt Lena's "ospitalità Italiana" tradition. Lisa fondly recalls Aunt Lena as a paragon of elegance, always adorned in stylish attire and a side-tie apron. Her home exuded warmth and hospitality, a testament to her devotion to family and tradition.
Aunt Lena's culinary prowess extended beyond ravioli, as she generously imparted her culinary wisdom to all who married into the family. Her kitchen was a hub of activity, where she lovingly prepared soups, gnocchi, and biscotti, nurturing both body and soul with her culinary creations.
Be our guest
For the Mazzoni family, Aunt Lena's legacy transcends generations, serving as a beacon of tradition and inspiration. Her spirit lives on in every bottle of Zialena wine, embodying the timeless values of family, heritage, and culinary craftsmanship.
