Sebastiani, Sylvia (1916–2003)

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Sebastiani, Sylvia (1916–2003)

American business executive. Born Sylvia Scarafoni, May 10, 1916, in Cordelia, CA; died Nov 30, 2003, in Sonoma, CA; dau. of Italian immigrants; m. August Sebastiani (winemaker), 1936; children: Sam and Don Sebastiani; Mary Ann Cuneo.

Following death of husband, inherited Sebastiani Vineyards (1980), one of America's most prominent wineries; became CEO, with son Sam as president; after Sam embarked on a costly plan to focus on higher-quality wines, replaced him with her younger son Don (1986).