S3. Ep 110: Maria Castellucci Moore | The Art of Building Legacy, Business and Family

Living a Layered Legacy with Maria Castellucci Moore

On this week’s episode of The Mama Making Podcast, I had the joy of chatting with Maria Castellucci Moore — entrepreneur, author, wine proprietor, and mom of four. Maria is one of those women who wears many hats but does so with such grace and purpose that it never feels overwhelming, just deeply intentional. From her family-run wine label to her beautifully crafted children’s books, everything Maria creates points back to one core truth: your legacy is something you live out every day.

Entrepreneurial Roots, Family Style

Maria’s entrepreneurial spark started early. At 15, she launched her first business, teaching tennis to neighborhood kids under the name "15 Love." With help from her dad, she made her own business cards and discovered what it felt like to turn an idea into impact. That feeling — of seeing something through from start to finish, of building something entirely her own — has never left her.

Fast forward to adulthood, and that spirit continues through her wine label, which she originally launched with her siblings. Grounded in family heritage and based in California's Napa Valley, Maria now runs the brand solo. Their boutique wines are uniquely paired with curated music playlists, creating a full-sensory tasting experience that reflects her love for music, storytelling, and cultural heritage.

"Have you ever tasted wine with your ears?" Maria asked. It's not just a catchy tagline — it's a philosophy. Each bottle is named after an Italian musical concept and paired with music selected to complement its flavor profile. For Maria, wine is more than a drink; it's a narrative. And wine tasting, in her world, becomes an immersive journey — one that blends sound, aroma, and taste into a moment of grounded, joyful connection.

That intentionality carries over into every aspect of the business. From working with a French winemaker to choosing names and designing label art, Maria considers the emotional experience of the wine as much as the technical one. She wants people to feel something when they pour a glass: comfort, curiosity, and connection.

Turning Inward and Telling the Story

Maria’s path hasn’t been without challenge. A personal life upheaval turned her family upside down and forced her to reevaluate where her joy came from. Through therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-study, she developed a new understanding of what it means to feel fulfilled.

"I started to realize happiness isn’t a one-size-fits-all pursuit. It comes from knowing yourself deeply," she said. "From turning inward rather than reaching outward for validation."

That season of deep reflection ultimately inspired her children’s book series, The Traveling Mindfulness Series. The first books, Vivienne in Paris and Sophia in Rome, follow children who explore new cities with curiosity, using their five senses to connect to the world around them. Each story ends with a personal “tada” moment — a small, joyful realization of what makes the child feel most alive.

The series is a quiet, powerful invitation for families to talk about self-discovery, mindfulness, and the value of noticing small things. Set against iconic backdrops like Paris and Rome, these stories also reflect Maria’s love for travel and her own multicultural upbringing.

"These books are about planting the seeds of inner awareness early," she explained. "So that by the time they’re grown, they already know how to tune into their own needs and joys."

Creativity in Motion

When I asked about her writing process, Maria laughed. "There is no ritual," she said. "Sometimes inspiration strikes at 2 a.m., sometimes it’s while arranging flowers on the table."

Rather than schedule creativity, she lets it live and breathe through her everyday life. Whether it’s reading a book that sparks a thought, a conversation with her kids, or even just noticing the changing light outside her window, Maria keeps her creative channels wide open.

Her upcoming standalone book, You Yoga, builds on this inward-looking mindset. It introduces young readers to the idea that everything they need is already within them. It’s about slowing down, connecting breath to movement, and embracing the present. While technically for children, it’s the kind of book adults will want to keep on their nightstand, too.

Building a Business and a Family

Maria is a mom to four children, ranging in age from toddler to teen. When I asked how she balances motherhood and entrepreneurship, she quickly reframed the question: it's not about balance, it's about integration.

"Your household is your first company," she said. "Even if you don't run a business, you're still raising future leaders."

Her kids are deeply involved in every part of her world. They help with dinner planning, join her in the vineyard, and even offer input on creative projects. They host guests, plan menus, and learn hospitality firsthand. Maria calls this "freedom within limits" — a phrase inspired by their Montessori education.

From assigning each child a plot in the backyard garden to letting them plan monthly dinner parties (yes, really), Maria is constantly building leadership skills, creativity, and responsibility into everyday life. She believes deeply in raising children who are capable, curious, and kind.

"They absorb more from what they feel and observe than what you say to them," she said. "So I try to show them, not just tell them."

Heritage, Heart, and a Homemade Life

Raised by Italian parents who came to the U.S. over 50 years ago, Maria brings that heritage into her home in practical, meaningful ways. Her children plant and harvest their own food, spend time in nature, and engage in music and movement — just like she did as a child.

"I didn’t grow up with fast food or processed snacks. My mom made everything from the garden. She still does," Maria said with a smile. "That connection to food, family, and nature shaped who I am. And I want my kids to have that too."

She sees family life as an ecosystem, one where everyone contributes, learns, and leads. Her approach is gentle but structured. There are guidelines, but also space for each child’s individuality. There’s tradition, but also evolution.

Legacy, Lived Out Loud

Maria defines legacy as honoring those who came before you while boldly making it your own. Whether she’s building a wine brand rooted in her Italian heritage or writing books that give voice to children’s intuition, she is always adding her own spin.

"We’re all multi-layered. Legacy is about sharing those layers with the world in a way that reflects who you are and what matters to you."

It might be in the form of a sensorial wine tasting, a bedtime story about discovering joy, or simply teaching her four-year-old to make his bed and earn a quarter for the offertory basket. All of it counts. All of it tells the story.

Maria is proof that a meaningful legacy doesn’t begin when your kids are grown or when your book is published or your wine sells out. It starts today, in the little moments, with the people right in front of you.

Whether you're dreaming up your next creative idea, figuring out how to lead your family with intention, or learning to trust your own unfolding, Maria’s story will leave you feeling inspired, seen, and ready to create your own layered legacy.

TL;DR

In this episode, Maria Castellucci Moore shares how she blends entrepreneurship, motherhood, and legacy-building with creativity and intention. From her family-run wine label paired with curated music to her mindfulness-based children’s books, Maria’s story is a masterclass in living fully, raising future leaders, and honoring your heritage while making it your own.

How to connect with the guest:

IG: @mariamoreauthor

Website: www.mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com

Extras: Buy Maria’s books

Buy Castelluci Napa Valley Wine

The Mama Making Podcast Mom podcast, Motherhood Podcast, Motherhood Journey, Postpartum Mental Health, Pregnancy, New Mom Support, entrepreneurship, motherhood, wine, storytelling, mindfulness, children's books, Italian heritage, personal growth, balance, legacy