Far Niente appoints new CEO
Napa Valley wine estate Far Niente has hired Shawn Conway, formerly of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, as its new chief executive following the retirement of Steve Spadarotto.
Far Niente Wine Estates in Oakville, Napa Valley, has announced its new CEO as Shawn Conway, who will oversee the producer’s six wineries: Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Bella Union, Post & Beam, EnRoute, and Dolce.
These properties span the Oakville, Rutherford, and Coombsville AVAs of Napa Valley, as well as neighbouring Sonoma county (EnRoute), with the portfolio’s wines ranging in price from US$50 – $500 per bottle.
Calling the new hire “an industry leader”, Apax Partners, which co-owns Far Niente with GI Partners, said Conway “has a deep understanding of luxury wine and will continue Far Niente’s focus on crafting wines and experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Continuing, Nick Hartman, equity partner at Apax, said: “Shawn has a rare combination of executive leadership in wine, spirits, and coffee. We are thrilled to start the next chapter of Far Niente’s story under his care.”
Formerly the CEO of Washington wine giant Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Conway also previously headed up Peet Coffee, and spent more than a decade working in the finance and operations arms of SKYY Spirits (now Campari America).
Big shoes to fill
Conway takes over from Steve Spadarotto who announced he was retiring in January 2025, having held the CEO role at Far Niente for seven years.
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“We thank Steve for leading Far Niente to become one of North America’s most dynamic and successful luxury wine companies during his tenure,” said Rick Magnuson, founder of GI Partners.
As for Spadarotto, he leaves the winery “proud of what our team has accomplished… and knowing that Far Niente is in great hands and poised for even greater success in the years to come…”
Touchstone
Incoming CEO Conway intends to “continue a legacy rooted in vineyard stewardship”.
“Few wineries can claim such a legacy of estate vineyards and steadfast commitment to craftsmanship,” he said. “I am honoured to join the Far Niente team, whose artistry and passion continue to shape the Napa Valley story, and to build on a portfolio that has become a touchstone for wine lovers around the world.”
Interim CEO Carol Reber becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors for the winery.
Since 2016, Far Niente Wine Estates has been jointly owned by private investment firm GI Partners, and private equity advisory firm Apax Partners. GI Partners has a history of successful investments in the wine industry, including its purchase of Californian stalwart Duckhorn Vineyards in 2007, which was sold to Butterfly Equity last year in a US$1.95 billion deal. According to GI Partners it has also provided investment oversight for a portfolio of 26 vineyards owned by Californian state agency CalPERS.
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