Each of us knows someone who was or is in a family business. Some of those businesses are no more, some failed yet managed to regroup and become even more successful, others continue to thrive throughout challenging circumstances. The wine industry is no exception to setbacks and success.
From families in the Old World whose vineyards were passed from one generation to another to New World wine pioneers who paved another path, a multitude of families today have been touched in many ways by the passion and persistence of their predecessors. Wine to them isn’t just a business or livelihood, it’s a family lifestyle meant to be cherished and preserved despite all odds.
In the last year or so, I’ve had the opportunity to meet an incredible array of people whose families are successful members of the wine industry. Following is a roundup of some of the stories I’ve written about these impressive people and their wines. Please click on the title of the article to view in its entirety.
Thank you to these amazing wine industry families who are doing everything right.
A Chat with Reagan Blackwood, Third Generation at Rombauer Vineyards
Reagan Rombauer Blackwood is a third generation member of one of the most recognized names in wine. Read her perspective on the iconic family to which she belongs and the role she’s been given.
Photo Credit: www.rombauer.com
Fascinating Smith-Madrone: The People, The Place, The Wines
The Smith brothers (and now son and nephew, Sam) at Smith-Madrone Winery have given new meaning to “cool”! Their backstories are alive with energy… and their wines? The same!!
Photo Credit: www.smithmadrone.com
Pedroncelli Winery and Vineyards: A 90 Year Legacy of Family and Wine
What’s not to love about the Pedroncelli Family and their top-notch, affordable, food friendly wines? All year (seriously, all year) the family has celebrated their 90th anniversary in the wine industry. And I was on board in so many ways!
Domaine de la Bergerie – Casual Elegance in Anjou
This past spring, I traveled to the Loire Valley where I met Anne Guegniard, eighth generation member of the family who owns Domaine de la Bergerie in the Anjou region. Anne’s genuine and casually elegant affect characterized the astounding wines I tasted.
Jordan Sager of Winesellers, Ltd.: “Relationships Matter”
Celebrating their 40th year in the wine industry is Winesellers, Ltd., an importing business started by patriarch Yale Sager and now spearheaded by his gregarious sons, Jordan and Adam. Their story is a prime example of a family who works hard, has made the business a success, and is respected by those not just in the United States but by those around the world…for many reasons.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
