Meet Angela Monaco MacAllister, The Trail's Second Chairwoman

The Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail has chosen a new Chairwoman! Angela Monaco MacAllister of Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery was unanimously voted as Chair during the December 2020 meeting. As the second Chairwoman in the Trail’s history, Angela steps in at a critical point for our wine region, small business partners and the Trail. We sat down with Angela to get her take on everything!

What is your background in the wine industry? What's your "day job”?  

My background is actually in healthcare. I have a doctorate in Audiology where I worked in the Rochester area right after college for a few doctor’s before I opened my own private practice.

I retired from healthcare before my daughter was born, and shortly thereafter we relocated to the Naples area to a home we built so we could enjoy the beauty of the region and a slower paced lifestyle. My husband and I started visiting the restaurant Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill to enjoy the live music, and eventually I took a part-time job there waitressing once in a while for fun. My role expanded over the next several years, and now am responsible for the marketing along with overseeing a variety of facets of the winery gift shop. We have a phenomenal staff that is more like a family, and we all share the same passion for making sure that our patrons have a wonderful experience while with us.

Why did you want to join the CLWT board initially?

John Brahm, Arbor Hill’s founding father, as well as one of the Trail’s founders, brought my attention to the Trail. I attended several board meetings with John starting in 2017, in part because of my marketing role and insights, and would occasionally represent Arbor Hill if he was unavailable. When John passed away unexpectedly in 2019, I was honored to be asked to assume his role representing Arbor Hill.

And now you’re the chair! What are your goals?

I’ve slowly made my way from spectator, to member, to vice chair and now chair. I was honored to be unanimously voted as Chair!

In terms of my goals, I have several ideas, and with the assistance from the current board members, I have no doubt we will see them come to fruition. I would really like to see the Trail become more well known to locals and day-trippers. More collaboration between the winery members and the associate members would be beneficial for all, and I hope to see that synergy improve in the years ahead.

The Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail is one of the smallest wine trails in the Finger Lakes region, but the quality we offer is astounding. We have excellent members all focused on quality and customer service, and the proximity to so many varied offerings from a tourism standpoint makes it a no-brainer to promote. I feel that we are a gem that many people have yet to discover.

You made a little Trail history, only the second woman to hold the role of Chair, with Cathy Fabretti of Casa Larga as the first. What’s it mean to you?

I am honored! I didn’t really expect to migrate into this position when I started, and from a gender perspective, I believe that women should take leadership roles if they have something to offer. I hope to be a good role model for my daughter, but mostly I want to facilitate growth for our trail. If future chairs are women, that’d be great! 

Favorite wine? Or something fun/personal about your wine preferences? Favorite wine and food pairing?

Tough one. I suppose it changes with the season and occasion. I like a dry white most often, but a nice smooth medium red is always nice with a good steak. Sparkling Rose’ has been a current favorite lately. 

What do you love about the Finger Lakes and living in one of the country's best wine regions?

Like most, my first love is the beauty of the region. I am spoiled to live on many acres of land surrounded by trees, beautiful views and very few neighbors. Although it took a bit of getting used to the small town atmosphere, it is really a wonderful feeling and an even better place for my husband and I to raise our daughter.