Far Niente CEO Spadarotto Retires, Reber Named Interim Chief

Napa Valley-based winemaker Far Niente Wine Estates has appointed industry veteran and board member Carol Reber as its interim CEO, succeeding the retiring Steve Spadarotto. Backed by investment groups GI Partners and Apax, Far Niente is among the leading landholders in Napa Valley with approximately 500 acres of vineyards, producing about 155,000 cases annually across a luxury portfolio including the Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Dolce, Bella Union, EnRoute, and Post & Beam brands.

Reber has 25 years’ experience in luxury wine leadership, and has been on Far Niente’s board for two years. Most recently she was a key part of the Duckhorn executive team, serving as executive vice president, chief marketing and DTC officer from 2010 to 2022. She began her career with global consumer brands including Gallo, The Walt Disney Company, and Sony Pictures.

Spadarotto has led Far Niente since 2018. He’s credited with guiding the company “through an exceptional period of financial growth and new product innovation.” During his tenure Far Niente launched the Post & Beam brand (which is now around 50,000 cases), opened a new Bella Union Winery in Rutherford, and partnered with consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown on its Cabernet Sauvignon programs. The company says it saw double-digit depletion growth last year despite the tough market.—Daniel Marsteller

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