People
Zialena has generational stewards rather than owners. Our legacy is presently nurtured by fourth generation siblings Mark and Lisa Mazzoni.
Mark Mazzoni
Founder/Co-owner, Winemaker & Vineyard manager
Mark Mazzoni's winemaking journey has been a predestined path that all started in the vineyards working alongside his father Mike Mazzoni and his grandfather Jim Mazzoni. As the fourth-generation winegrower and co-owner of Zialena Winery, Mark's deep-rooted connection to the land and his family's winemaking legacy have made him an expert in his field.
His journey began in 2002 at Kenwood Winery, where he worked alongside Mike Lee, igniting his passion for crafting exceptional wines. A pivotal trip to South America in 2004 immersed him in winemaking traditions, broadening his perspective. Upon his return, Mark honed his skills at St. Francis Winery, catching the eye of industry influencers like Philippe Melka at Vineyard 29 in 2005.
Mark's collaboration with Melka marked a turning point, leading to his role as winemaker at Flanagan Winery in Bennett Valley from 2006 to 2013. With a decade of experience, Mark envisioned creating wines under a family label. In 2012, he co-founded Zialena Winery with his sister, Lisa Mazzoni, focusing on artisanal Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.Mark's decision to commit to concrete fermentation showcased his dedication to innovation. This method, used sparingly in the New World but extensively in parts of the Old World, intrigued him with its potential to enhance wine quality. The launch of Zialena Winery and the buildout of ten permanent concrete fermentation tanks at the heart of the winery, was a realization of Mark's lifelong dream, rooted in perfecting his family's legacy vineyards.
Simultaneously, Mark was a Vineyard Manager at Bacchus Vineyards and Vino Farms from 2014 to 2018, overseeing renowned properties for producers like Rodney Strong, Littorai, and winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. He now leans on that experience, and his dad’s handshake deals, to cultivate the 100 acres of Mazzoni Estate Vineyards; selling fruit to established winery partners like Jordan, Jackson Family Wines, and of course, Zialena.
Beyond winemaking, Mark's devotion to uplifting the local wine community and his hometown of Geyserville is paramount to his success. His dedication to sustainable farming practices and his reverence for tradition are reflected in every bottle of wine that bears the Zialena label. He resides in the Town of Windsor with his wife Maura and sons Axl, 8, and Dane, 6, instilling in his kids the same values of hard work and connection to the land that define his winemaking legacy.
Lisa Mazzoni
Co-Founder and General Manager
Lisa Mazzoni is an energetic and accomplished force in the wine industry, serving as the Co-Founder and General Manager of Zialena Winery, where she combines her enthusiasm for hospitality with her family's rich history in winemaking. As the fourth-generation co-owner, Lisa returned to Sonoma County in 2013 to pursue the family business while concurrently holding the role of Managing Director at Deloitte.
Her journey into winemaking was catalyzed by her brother Mark, a seasoned winemaker, who envisioned crafting estate driven wines under a family label. Recognizing the opportunity to leave their mark on the family legacy, Lisa embraced the challenge alongside her brother. Their collaborative effort led to the establishment of Zialena Winery, named after their Aunt (Zia) Lena, where they meticulously blend old-world winemaking traditions with modern innovation.
Lisa's background in project management, highlighted by her tenure at Deloitte, equipped her with invaluable skills in strategic planning and business development. During her time at Deloitte, she played key roles in corporate development, specializing in integrating new businesses and measuring their strategic value.
Prior to Deloitte, Lisa honed her leadership abilities at Marriott International, where she excelled. Her achievements at Marriott underscore her dedication to excellence and attention to detail.
Lisa is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan, where she earned an MBA in Corporate Strategy & Marketing from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of Colorado Boulder. Lisa's commitment to education is evident in her involvement in various extracurricular activities, including co-chairing a Women in Leadership Conference.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lisa is a die-hard Michigan Football fan, showcasing her loyalty to her alma mater any time her team steps on the field. At Zialena Winery, Lisa's leadership reflects the same unwavering support and dedication to preserving her family's legacy and shaping the future of the wine industry in Sonoma County.
Lisa lives in Healdsburg with her husband John and three children Katelyn (14), Jack (13) and James (10). As a family they spend most of their time running around to practices, games and school activities and on the weekends in the winter get to the slopes as often as possible. A fixture in the town of Healdsburg, CA Lisa and her family live just a few blocks from where she and her brother Mark grew up.