A champion of the wine industry and a longtime RMI supporter
We are deeply saddened to share that Walter “Walt” Klenz passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 at the age of 81. He was a champion of the wine industry and a longtime supporter of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science. Our thoughts are with his wife, Sylvia, and their family during this time.
Walt Klenz at a Klenz lecture in 2020
“Walt’s vision for winemakers to have insight into wine business operations was far ahead of its time,” stated UC Davis Professor Emeritus Andrew Waterhouse. “He started a movement that is now well accepted at UC Davis and the industry broadly. To address this, UC Davis added courses to the major and is working with the Department of Agricultural Economics to create a wine business minor. And of course, the Walt Klenz lecture series speakers bring key messages to students every year.”
The Walt Klenz Lectureship Series on Wine Business was established in 2005 through a pledge originally made by Beringer Blass Wine Estates to honor CEO Walt Klenz upon his retirement. The endowment supports a bi-annual lecture, hosted by the Robert Mondavi Institute, and sponsored by Treasury Wine Estates. The series brings influential winemakers and wine industry professionals to share their unique perspectives, insights and experiences in wine business. Walt shared his vision in a video about the lecture series.
The lecture series brought world-renowned wine industry professionals to UC Davis such as David Pearson, Zelma Long, Jean-Charles Boisset, Laura Catena, Jeff O’Neill, Martha Stoumen, Ed Matovcik, Karen MacNeil, and most recently, Michael Mondavi. The willingness of these distinguished speakers to share their knowledge with students is a testament to Walt’s standing in the wine industry.
Walt Klenz, Ned Spang and Ed Matovcik at a Klenz lecture in 2024
“It was always a pleasure working with Walt,” said Robert Mondavi Institute Director Ned Spang. “He was dedicated to bringing the best wine business professionals to share their knowledge with the UC Davis students and the public. His enthusiasm and mentorship knew no bounds. Walt will be greatly missed and we send our deepest condolences to his family.”
Born in San Francisco, Walt invested more than 50 years in the global wine industry, earning a well-deserved reputation as a humble, trustworthy and kind leader. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and an MBA from his alma mater just one year later.
Walt Klenz began his California wine industry career in 1973. In 1976, he was named Director of Marketing at Beringer Blass Wine Estates, now part of Treasury Wine Estates. Klenz held several senior marketing, financial and operations positions at Beringer until he was appointed president in 1990. He led the company through a series of expansions, a public offering and the $1.5 billion sale to Australia's Foster's Group in 2000 where he headed their global wine business until his retirement in 2005.
"We were saddened to learn of the passing of Walt Klenz,” Beringer Vineyards Director of Winemaking Margo Van Staaveren shared. “Walt's leadership helped shape Beringer during a transformative period in its history, and his influence on the Napa Valley wine community extended far beyond our business. He was a respected industry leader, mentor and advocate whose contributions helped advance the California wine industry. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."
Throughout his career, Walt was a passionate advocate for the wine industry, serving as chair of the Napa Valley Vintners in 1993 and the Wine Institute shortly thereafter. Having held both roles at prestigious institutions is a real testament to his high standing in the industry.
“He was a beloved and important leader who helped shape our Napa Valley and California wine industries, as well as one of the nicest guys in the world,” Napa Valley Vintners President and CEO Linda Reiff said.
Walt co-founded the Sonoma State University Wine Business Institute. He served on the Advisory Board of ASC Fine Wines from 2008 to 2010 and on the Board of Directors of J. Lohr Winery and Columbia Sportswear Company.
As his obituary stated, “His influence extended far beyond the wine business, and his wisdom, integrity and humility leave an indelible mark on many other industries and on the many people fortunate enough to know him.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Napa Valley Community Foundation.
Laura Catena and Walt Klenz at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science in 2019