Our Story

The Beginning

Lorenza originated from a shared love of Provence Rosé by co-founders Melinda Kearney and Michèle Ouellet. A beautiful glass of wine and all its intricacies was not new for the mother-daughter duo. As a wine and food-obsessed family living in Napa Valley they were in pursuit of the perfect rosé to pair with everything and the summer feelings it evoked.

— Melinda

Looking for a way to stay connected led us to make the first vintage of Lorenza.

My vision was to make a beautiful, intentional rosé in California that would evoke the wines we loved from France. Rosé, in all its wonder, was a delightful part of our ongoing conversation as a family although good California rosé was rare at the time in 2008. I wanted to share my wine knowledge and business experience with my daughter as she embarked on a global modeling career. Remarkably she agreed.

As a Boulder restaurateur transplanted to Napa Valley, Melinda has dedicated her 30-year career to leading a lineup of blue-chip wineries that covet her marketing insight.

— Michèle

Growing up in a restaurant family in Napa Valley gave me a deep love and appreciation for food and dining from a young age.

As I became a model at 15 years old, I started to travel the world for photoshoots. I've been lucky enough to visit over 30 countries and I always make it a priority to check out the local food and drink scene. Some highlights include roadside pho in Vietnam, uni at Tsukiji fish market in Japan, boquerones in Ibiza and restaurants in London, Buenos Aires, Rome, Mexico City and beyond. These experiences have honed my palate, inspired culinary adventures in my own kitchen and provided a worldwide context for our wine.

After a summer as a teen in Paris, Michèle shared her newfound appreciation for rosé with her mom. Melinda’s response? “Let’s make rosé together when you’re of age!”

Together

In 2008, we had a hunch that there were more than a few people who, like us, wanted to love what was in their glass and feel connected to the story behind the wine. Since the climates of Northern California and the Mediterranean are so similar we were confident that we could produce a beautiful dry, rosé made from old vines. Optimistic early adopters? Yes, we truly believed in rosé and in California. 

Lorenza, a natural collaboration between mother and daughter, was born in 2008. Melinda and Michèle shared the same vision: to run a company together, make a rosé with intention, and share it with sommeliers, merchants, and friends. 

The Next Chapter

After 14 years of focusing exclusively on rosé, the duo debuted their first white wine, Picpoul Blanc. They have now expanded into red wine as well with Cinsaut from the legendary Bechthold Vineyard and Old Vine Carignan. The Lorenza team is excited about making Mediterranean style wines from vineyards they know and love in Northern California. Melinda and Michèle are continually inspired by food and what else they want to put on their table. All of Lorenza wines are meant to be bright, fresh compliments to your everyday celebrations. Santé!