Tony Arcudi

Tony Arcudi’s journey to winemaking is a story of perseverance, precision, and passion. A native of Massachusetts, Tony first dreamed of becoming a winemaker while pursuing an early career path far from the vineyards—first in the U.S. Navy, then in the tech sector. Answering a long-standing calling, he left it all behind and moved to California, determined to start anew.

Despite initially being rejected by UC Davis due to his unconventional background, Tony’s drive never wavered. After attending Napa Valley College to build his academic foundation, he was later accepted into UC Davis’ Viticulture and Enology program, earning a Regents Scholarship, a departmental award, and a fellowship for his achievements. Following graduation, he secured a coveted internship at Maison M. Chapoutier in France, where his winemaking philosophy was shaped by an unwavering focus on vineyard expression and meticulous farming practices.

Upon returning to Napa Valley, Tony deepened his expertise at Nickel & Nickel, working as Assistant Winemaker across 25 single-vineyard wines—a role that gave him an intimate understanding of Napa’s diverse terroirs. In 2009, a chance meeting with legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett led him to Fantesca, where he served alongside her and crafted the acclaimed King Richard’s Reserve Pinot Noir.

In 2016, Tony was named Winemaker at Kapcsándy Family Winery, where he cemented his reputation by earning multiple 100-point scores early in his tenure. His skill in capturing both power and elegance in his wines quickly established him as one of Napa Valley’s rising stars.

In 2025, Tony was appointed Consulting Winemaker for Fantesca Estate & Winery, overseeing the entire portfolio and ushering in a new chapter of leadership and excellence. His commitment to crafting wines of authenticity, balance, and site expression remains at the core of his approach, honoring Fantesca’s legacy while pushing its future forward.