Dare to Dream

Jack farmed 40 acres of prime vineyard land in Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile. During those years he grew cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, petite sirah, merlot, and and his favorite varietal, zinfandel.

Throughout his career as a winegrower, Jack sold wine grapes to many Dry Creek wineries as well as several wineries in Alameda County. Zinfandel wines made from his grapes were awarded innumerable gold medals, and the accolades included one year ranking third among the world’s finest wines. In an Orange County Fair competition, Jack’s wine was one of two out of nearly 1700 entries to receive 5 stars.

He also found time to lead the creation of the Rockpile AVA. Jack tells us that while he couldn’t have done it alone, it is his name in the Federal Register.

Retired at the age of 85, Jack lives with his wife Fran (both picture on the back cover in 1992) of 65 years in Santa Rosa, California. Jack is originally from Long Island, and Fran is from Brooklyn. The cover image is a photo of Jack’s dream, his Rockpile Vineyard.