"There have long been books for winery dogs and cats, but a new wine country coffee table book celebrates the empowering women of Napa Valley, including winemakers, chefs, entrepreneurs and artists. “Wine Country Women of Napa Valley” spotlights 65 local females and is set to release on Oct. 24.
“The premise is to educate the reader that there is a diversified group of women of different ages and occupations that live in the Napa Valley,” said author Michelle Mandro. “It really is a patchwork of women that make up this great area. People unfortunately think everyone works in the wine industry, but we have fabulous people of differing occupations.”
The women range in age over four decades, from mid-20s to 60s. The book gives readers an intimate look into the lives of inspiring women like Gina Gallo of E & J Gallo, Hilary Newsom of the PlumpJack brand and Carissa Mondavi, granddaughter of Robert Mondavi.

Mandro hired local photographer Dona Kopol Bonick to take portraits of each woman that tells a story about their lives; playing a game of bocce, hugging a chicken or even hanging out in a cemetery, as is the case with St. Helena writer Shannon Kuleto. Other photographs in the book were submitted by the women themselves, capturing moments from family gatherings, events and growing up."