My father, along with Claude and Katherine Blankiet.

I am a fourth generation Napa Valley grapegrower.

It was my first barrel tasting at the Robert Mondavi Winery when I tried a wine made from vines planted by my grandfather. The wine reminded me of the old vines and the countless hours of work my grandfather put into tending them. It was a realization for me that taste could go beyond flavor descriptors and become ethereal.

In 1954, my great-grandparents planted the first vines since prohibition on their property in Oakville. They sold the inaugural fruit to Robert Mondavi at a three year set price of $165/ton. That vintage there was a shortage of grapes in the valley and the average price rose to $200/ton. However, when the check arrived in the mail it was for the market value. The following year it increased again and so did the compensation, regardless of the contract. Our great-uncle went to Robert's office, proceeded to rip up the contract and said: "Bob, we don't need a contract with you, just a handshake." For 50 years our grapes were sold to Robert Mondavi and used in his Reserve and To-Kalon wines, based on a handshake.

I do my own tractor work.

It was my grandfather who taught me attention to detail and to respect the land. My appreciation for the complexity and beauty of nature came from my grandmother. My understanding of passion came from Robert Mondavi.

Live with passion, humility, remain authentic and never stop learning.

To constantly innovate, never become complacent and always be willing to try new things for the sake of learning. Making great wine is synonymous with taking risks.

Creating a culture of passion, hard work and producing wines that display a sense of place.

The best we can do is leave the land rich and full of life for future generations. We do this with organic farming practices and without employing chemical fertilizers or pesticides that negatively affect vineyard biodiversity.