Menagerie

Menagerie was founded by Ricky and Lisa Novak, whose pursuit of exceptional wine began decades ago during an early trip to Napa Valley. Though still in the early stages of their relationship, they shared a singular vision and made a promise to each other—one that would ultimately come to life years later with the creation of Menagerie. From the beginning, Ricky and Lisa set out to build more than a wine brand, seamlessly weaving their passion for winemaking with a deep commitment to philanthropy—an ethos that remains central to Menagerie’s mission today.

To bring this vision to fruition, they assembled a world-class team led by renowned winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky, with Rob Mondavi, Jr. serving as consulting winemaker. The leadership team also comprises COO Maddy Houghton, an expert in wine industry operations, and CMO Colette Alderson, a highly accomplished veteran of the luxury industry.

Purpose in Every Pour

At Menagerie, the mission extends far beyond crafting exceptional wines. Through partnerships with organizations such as Tusk.org, a conservation nonprofit supported by Prince William, Menagerie directs its impact to the front lines of wildlife conservation, helping protect endangered species across Africa. This purpose-driven philosophy led naturally to a collaboration with world-renowned photographer David Yarrow, whose iconic imagery reflects Menagerie’s reverence for beauty in its most powerful and unfiltered form. Together, Menagerie and Yarrow launched Yarrow x Menagerie, a limited-edition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that represents the intersection of fine wine, art, and conservation. More than a wine, it is a movement—one dedicated to creating life’s most memorable experiences while advancing a global philanthropic mission as distinctive and meaningful as the wines themselves.