The list of government regulations is long, but to make it a discussion topic, the length would only be beat by the subjects sheer boredom! We can take each others successes and build upon them.. When Charlie and his high-school sweetheart Lorna eloped to Reno, Nevada, to marry in 1934, three Napa Valley pioneering families were brought together. Thats so far included Megan Bell of Margins Wine, Joshua Hammerling of Blue Ox, Matt Nagy of Benevolent Neglect, Jaime Motley and Rajat Parr. Joes evolve or dissolve mindset also carries over to his philosophy on wine country tourism. She's currently studying for her first Sommelier exam. Now, the brand is synonymous with Napa Valley Cabernet and its consistent dominance in the American wine market. This bright and refreshing white wine is sourced from a small parcel on the windy bluffs on our John Sebastiano Vineyard. Wine Marketing and Sales, 3rd edition. Hence, all of the Channing Peake paintings that are floating around Santa Barbara County. A handful are displayed in Peake Ranchs tasting room, which opened along with the new winery in 2019. It was their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon that really put them on the map. If you are looking for an heirloom on which to work with your kids or grandkids, and money is not a concern, it is the right fit. Wagner is a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society and recipient of the 2013 E.O. His family emigrated to the Napa Valley area from Alsace, France in the 1850s and began planting grapes in the new frontier of California. He says we have to try considering that it could work. Theres no doubt that Joes Meiomi Pinot Noir was a break-out sensation at the time of its release. Catching the attention of wine critics, it earned them recognition and acclaim. Lawrence Award. How does being both winemaker and owner make your wine better? Continually pursuing new ideas, they feel extremely fortunate to spend their days farming grapes and making wine. Swanson took full ownership in 2016, and with the guidance from the general manager/winemaker, Nathan Carlson, the vineyards have been replanted and expanded to nearly 80 acres. Lived In Cottage Grove WI, Tomahawk WI, Sun Prairie WI, Fort Atkinson WI. Facebook gives people the power to. His grandfather was known to sit at the kitchen table and blend wines, not focusing on the varietals, but rather the magical alchemy of the end result. Their Meimoi and Belle Glos history originated in the 1880s and is currently in the hands of Joseph J. Wagner a winemaker with a passion for Pinot Noir. Select the best result to find their address, phone number, relatives, and public records. There is so much to learn, and so many wines out there, that most consumers dont fully get their questions answered. Born in Tucson, Arizona, John is the son of the late Virginia May and. If one side overbears, the business will not thrive. John Wagner is a comics writer who, alongside Pat Mills, helped revitalise British comics in the 1970s, and continues to be a leading light in the British comics industry, occasionally also working in American comics. John C. Wagner, Ph.D. Director, Idaho National Laboratory Dr. John C. Wagner is the director of Idaho National Laboratory and president of Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC. She seems to peer through dark glasses directly at readers, scrutinizing and examining. Rita Hills In the restaurant business, chef owned and operated restaurants are invaluable to cities. He christened it Peake Ranch, in honor of the late cowboy-artist Channing Peake. By showcasing the best individual Pinot Noir plantings from coastal California vineyards, Joe was able to narrow his focus on creating wines of distinction and pick the best vines and years to showcase in the bottles labeled with his burgeoning brand. A lot of sorting isnt really true to the variety, says Janelle. Copyright Wine Traveler, LLC . They added terraced blocks of Pinot Gris, some Rhne grapes and a new block of Trousseau, which Vache had also planted. In order to provide the opportunity for visitors to have a full view of the offerings of wine country, Joes Copper Cane tasting adventure can include a half-day of activities, including mountain biking, skeet shooting, or even a campfire at the homestead.. This land and these vines are in Joe's blood. Partly its due to know-how in the cellar, but more importantly, our predecessors, who took a leap of faith to try different varieties in new areas, paved the way for growing the right grapes in the right places. All together, these producers teach strong lessons in how respect for the past can be a key strategy for a thriving future. John Joseph Wagner is an American public speaker, church founder, and the lead pastor of EPIC Church International, a nondenominational Christian megachurch in Sayreville, New Jersey, that is the 38th largest church in the United States. It endured many peaks and valleys, from widespread renown under Dickinson as well as proprietors named Palmtag and Valliant. It had everything that we wanted to accomplish. It was this unique approach that inspired Chuck to break the norm and start making a blended white wine, which the family named Conundrum.From the very first vintage in 1989, they were determined to make a wine that was uniquely Californian and would seamlessly pair with a wide array of cuisines and dishes. Water rights are a big one right now, and it seems California is catering to population growth rather than agriculture. John Wagner (late 20th century) was active/lived in Missouri, Kansas. Just a few hours earlier, he and Joe had met for breakfast. Its probably not the life my dad imagined for his only son. Having the amount of knowledge and know-how from generations before me set an immense foundation for me to build upon. Chuck instilled in his children a passion for hard work and excellence, as well as a desire to carry on the family legacy of making wines of distinction. "She was super-committed to building a winery that wasn't going to be the center of attention," says Wagner, who prefers to. 1. Wagner was born in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1949, and spent his first thirteen years . 1 of 8 Joe Wagner smells Belle Glos wine during a tasting at a picnic table in the Las Alturas vineyard at the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County, California, on Monday, April 18, 2016. He was born on December 17th, 1931 to John P. Wagner, Jr. and Mary Wagner Carl came from a winegrowing family in Alsace, France, so it was only natural when in 1915 he started the Wagner winery on his seventy-acre ranch (where Honig Estate stands today), which would grow to become a successful operation producing 30,000 gallons of bulk wine within a few years. The small berries are too intense, and the big ones are too watery. You get to grow and create a product in one of the most beautiful regions of the country; you produce wines that reflect your personal taste; you continue to find new avenues to market to an eager consumer ready to swirl and sip. What is the salary of John Wagner? This year, Center of Effort was declared Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified in both the vineyard and winery, only the fourth brand to achieve that dual designation, and the first that includes custom crush clients. But it's also the story of a father and son. The regions where Sea Sun is sourced have included Monterey, Santa Barbara and Solano Counties. Wine Appreciation Guild, San Francisco. He is best known as the co-creator, with artist Carlos Ezquerra, of the character Judge Dredd. He is the co-creator, with artist Carlos Ezquerra, of the character Judge Dredd . Redwood Trees in Sonoma County, California . Down in Paso Robles, meanwhile, the Dusi family continues a Zinfandel heritage thats a century old. Running a business with your family must be even harder. Its a very interesting time in this business. Joe has the same leadership streak that made Chuck so successful, and the two of them started butting heads over where their business was heading. Top 3 Results for John Wagner in NJ. The wine was named for his grandmother, and the young winemaker set the stage for a successful career tying family history and tradition to innovation and experimentation. It is really an honor that people are enjoying our Pinot Noirs. Under the Wagner Family of Wine umbrella are these notable labels: Caymus, Conundrum, Meiomi and Belle Glos Pinot Noir. Sherrie Wilkolaski is the Editor-in-Chief of Luxe Beat Magazine and CEO of Luxe Beat Media. We want to see them succeed, and its just good for our winemaking to be surrounded by people with good and different ideas.. He received his medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and has been in practice for more than 20 . Winetraveler spoke with Joe Wagner of Copper Cane Wines to understand more about his background, winemaking philosophy, family history, technological integration and wine brand progression over the years. It also happened to be my Grandfathers favorite wine to drink, so there is a bit of the nostalgia playing into Zin, becoming one of my favorite wines to work with. We all know that the movie Sideways created a huge surge in Pinot Noir sales when it came out. I moved into Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties, which augmented the flavor and textural profile to an enormous degree. Wagner used the term "Vinted" instead of using the legally required term "Produced" on the label. New live tastings added regularly and past tastings accessible . JENNIFER HUFFMAN. Then the foliage starts to go yellow, the high temperatures segue into beautiful cool fall days and the entire California wine country is a stunning mix of beauty and comfort. He unfortunately doesnt get to spend as much time in the vineyards during the fall or during other times of the year. Her most recent book, Publishing Architects Blueprint: Self-Publishing Fundamentals is a 2017 Indie Book Awards Finalist. John Duval Wines began in 2003 with a single wine, the inaugural vintage of Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvdre. At the heart of it all is the care that goes into the winemaking process, that impresses us as we raise the wine to our lips, swish and then spit. A label reference to an AVA is legal if the wine is "Produced" (fully finished) in the state of origin. Charlie also produces Sea Sun Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Related To Julianne Wagner, Carmen Wagner, Amy Wagner. I am very happy with how it has come along to complement the Pinot Noir., Joseph had no formal wine education, just worked alongside his father and learned the job as he went along. Lafayettes son Henry, also a winemaker, made the very first wines produced for George De Latours Beaulieu Winery label in 1900. From my interview with Joe, here are some insights into whats going on with California wine right now: Your family has been making wine for five generations, what changes have you noted in the California wine industry? There are 3 executives at Wagners getting paid more, with Cameron Coleman having the highest compensation of $568,154. If I knew, I would be doing it! 2020 Luxe Beat Magazine. When youre talking about a family business, I was fortunate to be raised in a grape growing and winemaking family. In 1941, they purchased 73 acres just a few hundred yards from the Wagner home ranch, where they planted fruit orchards. Chuck Wagners parents, Lorna Belle Glos and Charlie Wagner Sr., were both born to families that helped shape Napa Valleys wine industry in the late 1800s and beyond, through their hard work, dedication, pioneering spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. At first, his reaction stung, but I realized he wasnt trying to dissuade me. For more information or to book a Copper Cane winery visit, contact Lloyd Vance at Lloyd.vance@coppercane.com, 707-200-7093. CA. Wagner Vineyards Winery 9322, NY-414, Lodi, NY 14860 Phone : (866) 924-6378 The Edible Finger Lakes "Meet Your Wine Maker" column is developed in partnership with the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance whose mission is to increase the visibility and reputation of the Finger Lakes AVA, its wines, and wineries. He has big plans and is constantly working to grow the family business, while still making an impact on the wine industry, I would like to bring the research and development side of grape growing and winemaking to the customer. Its voluptuous up front, but the back is not tannic and drying, so its a great way to get acquainted with high end wine styles. Wine Sales and Distribution, Paul Wagner, John Crotts, and Byron Marlowe. He was just hoping I understood the challenges I would face. For a vineyard of this age to be in the coastal mountains and be relatively unknown, but still capable of this quality, is just plain unheard of, says Ian Brand, winemaker for Massa Estate. The Wagners sold their grapes to Inglenook winery and Sonoma Vineyards, among others, and were highly regarded grape growers and home winemakers. He then headed west, where he opened a hotel in Paso Robles in 1921. They need to find their own path, and I will support whichever one they choose to walk. In addition to Conundrum, Charlie produces coastal Mer Soleil Chardonnays, whose distinct character can be traced to the dramatic growing conditions of the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County. Joe learned the business from his dad, Chuck Wagner, who built Caymus Vineyards into one of America's best-known Cabernet brands. Travel expertise from locals and wine industry experts. John Wagner (born 1949) is an American-born British comics writer. Learning the basics of food and wine pairing should be taught in high school. It set the bar for how we make our Pinots and has had a lasting change to all that we do with red grapes. Posted by Sherrie Wilkolaski | Featured, Lifestyle, Wine & Spirits |. We are closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving & New Years Day. The Shoebox way of seeing the world unleashed the talents, of John Wagner, spurring the creation of Maxine. Food & Drink, Breweries, Wineries & Vineyards. Heard Museum, An Icon of Phoenix and Native American Cu Hotel Nantipa Awarded Elite Sustainable Tourism Certification, Treat yourself to an Oregon Coast getaway at Salishan Coastal Lodge, Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay's Annual Global Cuisine Series, Candles That Smell Like An Epic Road Trip, Monaco real estate trends and price predictions for 2023, Get Your Beautiful Life Back by Living Sober, RELEASE & COME INTO PEACE UNDER THE PISCIAN FULL MOON, Fifth Generation Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner, A new Era for Timekeeping Technology in PyeongChang, Cunard Announces 10-Day Sale on Select Queen Mary2,Queen VictoriaandQueen Elizabeth Voyages, Uniworld: River Cruise Line with Self-Disinfecting Coating on All Ships. Rowman and Littlefield, Denver, CA. One of the familys fond memories is of Chucks dad, Charlie Sr., sitting at the dinner table at the end of each work day, blending wines from one glass into another to create the perfect pairing for his meal. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Although Prohibition put an end to the prospering wine businesses as they stood for all three families, all was not lost as the future generations still had wine running through their veins and dreams of resurrecting what their forefathers had begun. This veteran actor is best known for his starring roles in the TV series 'Switch,' 'Hart to Hart,' and 'It Takes a Thief.' His most noteworthy role has been that of 'Number Two' in the . . No longer do wine drinkers need to spend time utilizing other apps or Google to find out exactly what is in the bottle, but with a simple tap, customers are instantly connected to the brand, vineyards, winemaking process and any information that could be complementary to the wine-drinking experience. Running a business is hard work. The Wagners released their very first vintage of now-iconic Caymus VineyardsCabernet Sauvignon in 1972. Their Meimoi and Belle Glos history originated in the 1880s and is currently in the hands of Joseph J. Wagner a winemaker with a passion for Pinot Noir. Oenophiles appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into winemaking, from planting crop, harvesting the grapes to the magic that transcends the barrels. So for now, the biggest threat to the wine and grape industry in California is government regulation. Yet, just as Meiomi rocketed to success, Joe left the family company to strike out on his own. Read about this family business and why their wines are more sought after than ever before. A second wine was added in 2004 - Entity, made entirely from Barossa Shiraz, followed in 2005 by a reserve Shiraz . By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, When the shoot is fully copper, it is ready for winter, and the green characteristics of unripe fruit are fully out of the berries, meaning that the juice will be luscious and more representative of the fuller-bodied Pinots made famous by Joes brands. She was super-committed to building a winery that wasnt going to be the center of attention, says Wagner, who prefers to emphasize the vineyard, creek, mountains and old buildings. Developed in the late 1800s by a Danish dairy farmer, whose stone water cisterns still stand on the hilltops, Peake bought what was then a 1,600-acre ranch in 1938. Being able to receive such an award on behalf of all the people involved was huge., Team work, successful science projects and legacy arevery commendable, but Im curious as to his individual ego as it relates to his career. As Corbett Canyon grew, The Wine Group consolidated production elsewhere. It seems that every year, there are new pests that find their way into California, or a problem with nursery stock and a new virus threatening new plantings. Avow is a dining experience tailored to be the cultural hub of Copper Cane, offering dinner and soon, brunch, where customers are pairing perfectly crafted dishes to the notable wines that have made the region famous, not vice versa. A fifth-generation winemaker, Joe comes from a family with a rich understanding of . The history of the place is part of whats so enchanting, says Wagner. One of our favorite wine stores in Nashville told us Belle Glos and Meiomi are their top sellers; what is the secret to their popularity? Jenny Wagner was raised in Napa in a home located on the property of Caymus Vineyards, which is owned by her family. But only whispers of that fame extended beyond the region.. In the 1960s, Charlie and Lorna foresaw a bleak future for the familys prune and walnut crops, so they decided to pull out their trees and devote their property entirely to wine grapes, including Pinot Noir, Johannisberg Riesling and a special clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that Charlie had acquired from Stags Leap grower Nathan Fay. It remains a standard-bearer of robust Pinots in many American consumers minds, though it is no longer in Joes portfolio. As much of that history slips away with the march of time, a number of the regions wineries embrace these chapters with pride. It was my favorite of their pinots that I got to try, and offered a tomato leaf flavor I do not associate with the variety. Like a chef, there is an artisanal aspect to winemaking that, if too heavily scrutinized by a corporate mind-set, would then sacrifice quality. getty. The Durney wines have long been the stuff of legend locally, says Brand, who points to 1978 as a particularly compelling vintage. It highlights the very spot where regional pioneers first plotted a new appellation more than two decades ago. Nivens family was the first to plant grapes in the Edna Valley, back in 1973. BEA manages and operates the laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Johns wife, Jill, guided the winery and tasting room design. Its a story that needs to be told and reflected more.. When I sat down for the first time with Chuck, I sensed how torn he was. We are also seeing it now with red blends like our Conundrum Red. John Wagner, Bill Wagners son, has been running the business with his sister, Laura, since Bills death in 2010. Wagner Vineyards 4.5 419 #2 of 12 things to do in Lodi Wineries & Vineyards Breweries Open now 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About Visitors to this popular winery in the Finger Lakes area can experience great wine-tasting, fine dining and tasting this establishment's newest addition- micro-brewed beers. Along with the opportunity that was in front of me when I joined the family business, came a great amount of responsibility for the current times, but more importantly, to pass the family legacy on to my children in a better state than when I received it. France is her favorite country to visit, her most memorable travel experience was walking the Great Wall of China and she is looking forward to making her inaugural visit to Ireland soon! To find something that is a fount of authentic American and Californian viticultural history, it gets my heart racing.. What weve done is peel the paint off of this property and just understand what was here and when, he says. Growing up, this was our life, says Janelle Dusi, minutes after she finished a morning pick of Zinfandel from her familys Paso Robles ranch on the east edge of Highway 101, planted in 1926. As it turns, out it means coast in the language of the native, coastal dwelling Wappo and Yuki tribes, and pays tribute to and symbolizes the origin of their Pinot Noir. That was the day the phone started to ring and ithasnt stopped since. These first Beaulieu wines were produced at the HH Harris winery, now known as Martin Estate in Rutherford. His body was shipped by gondola and train back to Bayreuth, where he was buried.. $149.00 $ 149. Clear rating. John Caspar Wagner. Congress passed Prohibition on January 16, 1919 and it did not end until December 5, 1933. Learn how your comment data is processed. But its also the story of a father and son. It was not long before the father-son winemaking team started producing wines that were rich in character and complexity. He has been overseeing vineyard operations and winemaking since 2002. The buying public realizes that and appreciates the value of purchasing a great tasting wine produced in the country they live in, and they are proud to support those companies. They are the Glos, Stice and Wagner families. Plans call to remodel existing structures, which include a small chapel, into a retreat and event space, and to also make the winery functional. Sons want their father's approval. Paul Wagner. John Wagner (fdt 19. marts 1956) er en dansk journalist og administrerende direktr for De Samvirkende Kbmnd.. Wagner er uddannet journalist. Chuck Wagner's parents, Lorna Belle Glos and Charlie Wagner Sr., were both born to families that helped shape Napa Valley's wine industry in [] I had known for years that my fathers pathhe recently retired after 45 years as a successful lawyerwas not one I wanted to walk. (These flat rates apply to orders of 750 & 375 ml bottles only. The whole process of finding a site such as that, and creating a wine that can be enjoyed for years to come, will always be a highlight in my mind. He toiled for decades alongside his own dad, who could be a stern boss, to build something together. Few projects represent this better than Eden Rift in San Benito County, which has breathed new life into a bucolic property first planted in 1849. It complements the food and the gathering of people, and so it becomes a staple of enjoying life. Each year something new comes down on the industry. More recently, we added a Meiomi Chardonnay with the same concept of sourcing. Come visit us in Rutherford, Napa Valley. Alongside Pat Mills, he helped revitalise British comics in the 1970s, and continues to be active in the British comics industry, occasionally also working in American comics. Introducing our Head Chef @artisansofbarossa: Robin Wagner . We've received your email address, and soon you will start getting exclusive offers and news from Wine Enthusiast. They were a family of farmers with roots in Napa Valley dating back to the 1850s. Dr. John E. Wagner is a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist in Minneapolis, MN. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Wagner Family of Wine. United States ; New York (NY) Finger Lakes ; Lodi ; Lodi - Things to Do ; Wagner Vineyards; Search. John E. Wagner Sr. John E. Wagner, Sr. passed away on June 4th in Kansas City, Missouri after a long battle with lung cancer. Prior to this, he labored from January of 1989 in the pioneering and establishing of Orlando Free Presbyterian Church, Orlando, FL. Thus it comes at no surprise that she spent much of her youth running around the vineyards and working in the winery during the summer. $$ At Peake Ranch we believe that by working in concert with nature, exceptional wines can be achieved. Make a wine that tastes great and goes with food and it could be the next big thing. A fifth-generation winemaker, Joe comes from a family with a rich understanding of how to cultivate quality wines. It most certainly is. The 33-year-old Wagner told Shanken News Daily that he's selling Meiomi one of the U.S. wine market's hottest brandsbecause the deal will give him the liquidity necessary to become a much larger landowner. At the end of the day, Im a consumer like everyone else, so if I like it, hopefully others will, too. We were expected to do everything, says her brother Matt Dusi. The Wagners raised five children, and their only son, Charlie, was born in their Rutherford home in 1912. We have created some amazing relationships through working with growers over long periods of time. . In either case, we will continue within the confines currently set, and do our best to not let it interfere with our goals. It's free! Chuck was kind and generous with his time, but I suspect he was also a little ticked off I was writing about Copper Cane and not about Wagner Family. Pinot can be finicky. Wagner says he hopes to amass 2,000-3,000 acres of California vineyards over the next five years. Designed and Developed by Ogrelogic. Theyre also focused on the future, evolving constantly to compete with the best wines in the world. The focal point of being any generation of a family winemaker is expanding upon the trade that I was taught, and handing that down to my children while working alongside of them. The three students appear to have known each other and had fought previously, but Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan said it wasn't immediately clear what prompted Wednesday's fight. Charlie Wagner, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, Chuck Wagner. The property, which would later be renamed Eden Rift, featured a marvelous mansion and Zinfandel vines, both dating back to 1906 and the joint ownership of Captain Jules Jacques St. Hubert, a winemaker, and a Chicago grain broker named John Dickinson. When it was founded as a quarter-million-case facility in 1979, the ambitious Lawrence Winery put the Edna Valley on Californias wine map. StyleBlueprint was invited to meet with Joe Wagner, one of Californias most impressive winemakers, on his recent visit to Nashville. Recurring Event (See all) $20. Cab on the Sonoma Coast would be too green, light and harsh, while Pinot Noir in Napa gets overripe and hot. Despite having bragging rights to that, he's most proud to be a father and a farmer. And if youre from New York or Chicago or Tokyo, discovering something new that has been lost in the mists of time is fantastic.. It was in 1972 that Charlie and Lorna along with their son Chuck decided to go all in and formalize the familys long-standing tradition of winemaking when they recognized they could make a better living byselling the great quality home wines they had been making from grapes they were growing on their property. Wagner Vineyards was named 2019 New York Wine Classic Winery of the Year, after 4 of his Rieslings received Double Gold! Its the way it should be done. His appreciation of craftsmanship is clear and he is enthusiastic about the future of the Meiomi legacy. You can follow Mitch Frank on Instagram and Twitter at @FrankWine. They sold it through a small tasting room on their ranch, the first ever along 101. And BEN, with its ripe fruit flavors, bright acidity and hints of toasty oak, is the purest expression of his signature style. 01/04/1951 - 10/22/2021. Hours: John wears many hats around the winery and can be found anywhere from the vineyards, the tank room, the brewery to his office. Chuck gave each an opportunity: Launch your own brand, with his support, and learn from your successes and failures. IDAHO FALLS, Idaho Battelle Energy Alliance's (BEA) Board of Managers announced today that John Wagner, Ph.D., will be the next director of Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Thats where the magic starts!, The wine that is his all-time favorite is Belle Blos, Las Alturas Pinot Noir, From scouting the barren land, planning and planting the vineyard, then creating a vineyard designate Pinot that has become a hallmark of Santa Lucia Highlands is really something special for me to have under my belt. Dec 31, 2013 Updated Jan 7, 2014. Did you talk business? I asked. In true pioneering fashion, they homesteaded 150 acres at sixteen hundred feet of elevation on Howell Mountain in 1885. One of their first acts on their new land was to also plant 10 acres of wine grapes. Wagner Vineyards. If youre from San Benito County, there is a swelling of pride, says Pills bury, whos from San Francisco. Explore new paths. Co-creator of some of the most iconic British comic book characters of the last thirty years, John Wagner continues to script his co-creations Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog in the pages of 2000AD . He feels strongly about this mindset shift, one impressed upon him by his father, who started Wagner Vineyards over 40 years ago with the same belief. He has been overseeing vineyard operations and winemaking since 2002. Paul Wagner, Liz Thach, and Janeen Olson. In 1858, Bluford and his wife Martha purchased seventy acres of farmland in Napa Valleys Oak Knoll District.