Menagerie Wine, created in Napa Valley, was founded by a group of friends united by their love for elegant, refined wine and a shared commitment to protecting and restoring the planet and its wildlife. Through a partnership with Tusk.org, a portion of the proceeds from each wine purchase is donated to the organization.
We spoke to managing partners Ricky and Lisa Novak to learn more.
What inspired you to launch Menagerie Wines?
RN: The inspiration for Menagerie Wines began more than two decades ago. During the early days of our relationship, my wife Lisa and I took a trip to Napa Valley. That experience quickly revealed how deeply we both connected with both the simplicity of farming and the complexity of winemaking. It was there, among the vineyards, that a shared dream was born: to one day create exceptional wines of our own. We made a promise to each other on that trip, and Menagerie is the fulfillment of that promise — a project born from our shared passion, long-held vision, and commitment to creating something truly meaningful together.
Was there a moment when you realized wine and wildlife conservation could go hand in hand?
LN: For our family, the connection between wine and wildlife conservation emerged naturally. From the outset, we wanted Menagerie to stand for more than exceptional winemaking — we wanted it to have a meaningful philanthropic foundation. Wildlife conservation has long been a passion for our family, and as we shaped the brand, it became clear that we could use our platform to contribute to a cause deeply aligned with our values. Recognizing that Menagerie could both craft extraordinary wines and make a tangible difference in the global community was a watershed moment for us, the point at which wine and conservation shared a common purpose.
With every purchase of wine, a donation is made to tusk.org. Can you tell us about the organization’s work and your partnership?
RN: When we began searching for the right philanthropic partner for Menagerie, Tusk stood out immediately. Their mission and methodology aligned seamlessly with our own commitment to wildlife conservation. Supported by Prince William and his deep passion for wildlife conservation, Tusk has made a profound and measurable impact across Africa, funding innovative programs that protect endangered species and support the communities that steward them. Our partnership allows every purchase of Menagerie wine to contribute directly to this work. Together, we aim to make a meaningful, lasting difference in safeguarding some of the world’s most threatened wildlife.
How do you integrate the conservation story into your brand experience and packaging?
LN: We integrate our conservation story into the brand experience by ensuring that every element of our packaging serves as both a symbol of our mission and a functional reminder of the wildlife we support. Our elegant wine boxes are intentionally designed to be kept – not discarded – so it lives on as a beautiful, useful object in our customers’ homes. Our unique label designs feature animals from across the globe and reflect our conservation ethos. By carefully combining refined craftsmanship with exquisite wine that has a give back component, we ensure that exceptional quality and environmental stewardship can thrive together.
How did you bring together your founding team (including notable figures in the wine industry like Philippe Melka and Rob Mondavi) and decide on the initial wine portfolio?
RN: To bring our vision to life, we knew the wine itself had to be nothing short of exceptional. That commitment led us to assemble a truly special team of winemaking talent and strategic leaders. At the heart of our winemaking program is Philippe Melka — one of the most respected figures in Napa Valley and the mind behind some of the region’s most sought-after wines. Working alongside him is our Director of Winemaking, Maayan Koschitzky, whose experience at Screaming Eagle and Atelier Melka has shaped him into an extraordinary force in modern Napa winemaking. Rob Mondavi Jr., a longtime friend, immediately embraced the Menagerie concept and joined us as a strategic advisor, bringing with him the perspective of one of Napa’s most storied families. Our executive team further rounds out the brand’s foundation. Colette Alderson, CMO and Partner, brings more than two decades of luxury brand and media leadership, including her tenure as Executive Vice President at Robb Report, where she was extensively involved in the wine industry. Madeleine Houghton, our CEO/COO and a wine industry veteran, contributes exceptional operational expertise and a steady hand in guiding the business. Together, this team shaped our inaugural portfolio — each wine crafted to reflect the artistry, precision, and purpose at the core of Menagerie.
How do you plan to grow the brand, and what are your priority markets?
RN: Today, Menagerie offers three core varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, a proprietary red wine, and a Sauvignon Blanc. We recently expanded the portfolio with an extremely limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon created in collaboration with world-renowned photographer David Yarrow: Yarrow x Menagerie. Looking ahead, we’re focused on thoughtful, strategic growth. On the horizon we will introduce highly bespoke spirits that reflect the same craftsmanship and artistry as our wines. Beyond that, we are developing a Champagne and a rosé to further round out the Menagerie collection. We have numerous unique and experiential designs we hope to share with our devout patrons and friends of the brand.
If you were pouring one of your own wines tonight, which bottle would you choose and what food/wine moment would you pair it with?
RN: Lisa and I have always been obsessed with whiskey finished in unique ways, especially Japanese Whiskey finished in Sherry casks. We often wondered why we never seemed to find the converse of this science: wine finished in spirit casks. Our initial discussions with our wine making team did not go so well. They all thought we were crazy and that we were headed down a path that was certain to end in a waste of time and resources! However, we were able to convince everyone to take four barrels we received from a friend at one of the most accomplish American whiskey distilleries and finish our red blend in them. The result was nothing less than epic and Conspiracy was born. This wine is so unique. Bold and powerful yet elegantly refined. Whether paired with spicy food, such as Thai or Korean, or enjoyed with a bold cigar at the end of the evening, this wine brings an extraordinary experience to one’s palate.
