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Linda’s Story
by
about
Linda Trotta
A second generation Italian-American with a career in winemaking spanning over three decades and four continents, Linda Trotta’s life has been anything but boring.
The eldest of 4 children and the oldest grandchild, Linda was born and raised in Southern California surrounded by her extended family of countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. Linda’s first memories of wine are from moments around the dinner table with her family, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, wine. It was from her father’s gentle nudge and encouragement that she learned from a young age her opportunities in this world would be endless.
Finding Inspiration
Inspired by the winemaking set up in her grandfather’s garage and her great-grandmother’s drive, Linda’s path took her to UC Davis to study the true art and the science behind winemaking. While at Davis, she took an opportunity to travel abroad to Italy where she experienced her first harvest at Santa Margherita Winery in the beautiful Veneto in Northern Italy. During harvest she thrived, and the rest, as they say, is history.
An Epic Career
After stints leading winemaking in Sonoma Valley, Washington state, and beyond, Linda’s heart drew her back to California where she joined the Bread & Butter Wines family. She truly believes that “A good wine is a wine you like” and uses that mentality to create good, honest, and delicious wines for Bread & Butter that people love and adore. Linda is an award-winning winemaker, earning the 2018 North Bay Business Journal Napa Valley Winemaker of the Year award and many other prestigious accolades for her craft.
Inspired by fellow female trailblazers in wine like MaryAnn Graff, the first woman to graduate from UC Davis’ winemaking program in 1965, and Zelma Long, the first woman to assume senior management of a Californian winery as President of Simi Winery from 1989 to 1996, Linda can’t imagine doing anything else with her days.
Linda’s Favorites
Go To Food & Wine Pairing:
Fish Tacos and Sauvignon Blanc
Beverage of Choice:
Champagne
Meal:
Gnocchi with meat sauce
Movie:
Mary Poppins
Song(s):
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven
Zorba the Greek by Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass
Vacation Spot:
La Source Spa Resort, Grenada in the West Indies
Photos:
Slider 1:
1: Circa 1964: Linda pictured with her father, Nick, on the train at Griffith Park in Burbank, CA. Linda’s father inspired her to follow whatever path appealed to her and to take risks (much to her mother’s consternation!).
2: Late 1970s: Linda, left, with her mother, Ann, pictured in their backyard in San Juan Capistrano. Linda’s Mom was, and continues to be, an amazing provider of unconditional love. She supported her through any and all endeavors she chose to pursue, whether her Mom liked agreed or understood the decision.
3: 1969: 50th wedding anniversary of Linda’s great-grandparents, Nicola and Luisa Trotta. Nicola introduced Linda to home winemaking, and Luisa told him how to make the wines.
Slider 2:
4: 1986: Linda working the forklift at her first winery job at St. Francis Winery in Kenwood, CA, located in the Sonoma Valley AVA.
5: Circa early 1990s: Linda’s paternal grandfather, Frank, the eldest child of Nicola and Luisa, had an epic passion for winemaking. He built this basement winery/cellar under his home in Burbank, CA, and took home winemaking to new heights in the family.
6: 2021: Linda Trotta at the Bread & Butter Tasting Room in Napa, CA.