Diane Mina

Born in Bethpage, NY, Diane’s love affair with the Bloody Mary began at a very young age. On warm summer weekends, her family would gather at “Pop-Pop’s” house for a traditional “back yard clambake.” Packed with east coast favorites, the family feasted on Cherrystone clams, fresh corn on the cob and the famous “Nathan’s” hot dogs. The beverage of choice was the savory Bloody Marys for the adults, and chocolate Yoohoo’s for the kids. It was here that Diane had her first sip of that spicy Bloody Mary and that was it.

After living in Marin County, CA, and learning all things involving large garden growing, Diane named her back-yard oasis, “Bella Mina Gardens.” This is where she found peace, passion and the inspiration with the tomato being the primary plant, Diane started experimenting with all her garden ingredients which instinctively developed into a delicious tomato juice filled with wellness.

With garden tomatoes in one hand, and herbaceous herbs in the other, Diane immediately turned “Bella Mina Gardens” into her testing grounds to create a Bloody Mary mix for her and her husband Michael Mina’s restaurants. One herb in particular that stole her heart was the herb of “Lovage.” Impressed by its bright green leaves, pungent celery like flavor and therapeutic qualities, Diane began infusing the tomato and the lovage to create a marriage of wellness.

In August 2014, Diane and Michael, partnered up with the San Francisco 49ers to open Bourbon Steak and Pub and a one-of-a-kind tailgate experience for all season ticket holders called “Michael Mina Tailgate.” Not only did this new partnership set the bar in Chef Mina’s culinary myriad, this is where “Diane’s Bloody Mary” was unveiled. Serving over 400 of her signature Bloody Marys at each home game, it was the 9 a.m. must have for the 49er Faithfuls.

With her garden tomatoes possessing a high juice yield and bright notes, the forgotten herb of lovage, her passion and love for the iconic Bloody Mary, and 30 years in hospitality, it naturally set the stage for creating her own mix. In June of 2017, Diane Mina collaborated with premier retailer Williams Sonoma and together they launched “Diane’s Bloody Mary” to the marketplace.

In 2018, “Diane’s Bloody Mary Bar & Brunch” launched in the “Mina Test Kitchen” space located in the San Francisco Marina. A first of its kind, “Diane’s Bloody Mary Bar” showcased both of her signature blends (The Original & Dirty Diane’s Jalapeno Mixer).

Today, Diane’s company, TerraMina LLC, producers of Diane Mina Garden Grown Cocktail Blends®, continues to thrive. It was officially certified in November of 2022 as a Women Owned Business and recognized by the Small Business Association.

Diane and her husband currently live in Nevada.