These interviews are part of our feature on winemaking families from the June/July 2011 issue.

One of Napa Valley's most famous wineries, Trefethen Family Vineyards is still owned by the same family that founded it in the 1960s; Janet Trefethen is the winery’s chief executive officer, while daughter Hailey Trefethen is the marketing manager.

Janet Trefethen

Q: How did you get your start in the industry?

A: My parents-in-law started the vineyard in 1968, when there were fewer than 25 wineries in the Napa Valley. My husband John and I started renovating the old, rundown “ghost” winery in 1973 and made our first wines that year. I did everything from weighing grapes, to pulling hoses to making lunch and dinner. It was a great time as everyone was new in the business and most had chosen it after being successful at something else. People were enthusiastic about their choice and passionate to make wine. We all learned as we went and shared what we knew with our neighbours.

Q: What was your big break?

A: [The editors of] Gault Millau magazine decided they would hold the Wine Olympics in Paris, France, in 1979. Unbeknownst to us, someone entered our chardonnay and it won the gold and was claimed the “Best Chardonnay in the World.” Of course, the French were upset and challenged us to a rematch. It took place approximately six months later at the Hospice de Beaune, in the capital of Burgundy and, guess what? It won again. I believe it is the only chardonnay to be claimed the best in the world twice.

Q: Tell me about the moment you knew you’d made it — that you were going to be successful — at the winery.

A: Talking about “making it” is a moving target. We wake up every morning and ask ourselves how can we grow grapes, make wine just a little bit better.

Q: When it comes to wine, what is your passion?

A: I am passionate about the Napa Valley and more specifically, our Oak Knoll District AVA. It is one of the best geographic regions ever to grow great grapes, and that is what it takes to produce terrific wines.

I am even more passionate about “estate-grown.” I wish more consumers understood the term and knew that it means that we did everything from planting the vine through nurturing to harvesting it and making wine.You cannot get a more authentic product than a true estate-grown wine.

Q: What do you want people to remember about your wines? 

A: The delicious, consistent quality; their longevity — both the whites as well as the reds — and that they have been 100 percent estate-grown since we started the winery in 1973. People may talk about terroir — we practice it.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of your winery, say 30 to 50 years down the road? 

A: That it will still be family owned and operated and that it will be known as one of the best wineries in the world.

Q: Is there anyone in the wine industry that you wish you could work with? Why?

A: I feel like I have my wish, my dream, to be working now with my husband, daughter and son.

Hailey Trefethen

Q: How did you get your start in the industry?

A: I was lucky enough to be born into his industry, and then raised in it. It was never just my parents’ job.

Q: What was your big break? Tell me about the moment you knew you’d made it — that you were going to be successful — in the industry.

A: My big break, I think I’m still waiting for it. My parents and grandparents have accomplished so much over the past 40 years, and those are some big shoes to fill. So that is where I’m headed.

My big break in the past year was getting the opportunity to be the marketing manager. To have your family and those you work with to have that much faith and respect for you, well, it’s more than I ever expected at this age, and I am honoured.

Q: Who are your influences? Mentors?

A: My family; my mom, dad, and my older brother, Loren [who handles direct and export sales for the winery].

My mom has been a wonderful mentor as I take on more responsibility. Sometimes I think I’m just running behind her trying to catch up, but when I get to stop and take a breath, I realize how far I’ve come and everything that I’ve learned.

And what little girl doesn’t look up to her older brother? My brother and I think very differently and he has always pushed me to go a little further, a little outside my comfort zone.

Q: When it comes to wine, what is your passion?

A: I love the vineyard. I grew up playing in the vineyard every day, and one of my first jobs was interning for Jon Ruel when he started as our viticulturist. That is where everything starts.

Q: What are your thoughts on organic/biodynamic — Yes or no? Why or why not?

A: Being sustainable is hugely important to us. We’re 100 percent estate-grown and a big requirement is taking care of the land. We have created an entire ecosystem on our property, from keeping bees to having owl and bat boxes.

Q: What do you want people to remember about your wines?

A: I want them to remember their own experiences that they’ve had with Trefethen. I love hearing their discovery stories about our wine, at a friend’s dinner party, and the winery.

Q: What do you do when you’re not working? Hobbies, interests etc.?

A: Cooking and being outside, hiking, skiing, and I’m about to try this whole fly fishing thing. 

Q: Is there anyone in the wine industry — dead or alive — that you wish you could work with?

A: My grandparents. Part of my job is travelling around and telling the family story, but my favourite part is when I meet people that knew my grandparents and they tell me stories about them. I wish I had known them better.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of your winery, say 30 to 50 years down the road?

A: I see myself still here in 30 years, with the vineyard [and the winery] thriving. It’s pretty easy to imagine.