The Personalities of Napa, CA

Mike Smith – Cottages of Napa Valley
My first job was building boats in Santa Cruz. Then, between construction jobs, I built sets for the Mountain Theatre on Mt. Tam. I loved being able to make large fantastic worlds quickly, and then tear them down even faster. I came to Napa Valley during my teenage years and . . .READ MORE




Ralf Holdenried – William Hill Estate
When winemaker Ralf Holdenried was invited to craft William Hill Estate’s wines in the summer 2007, it was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Ralf says, “The William Hill Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are classically styled Napa Valley wines.”
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Kevin and Lorri Walsh – Hennessey House Bed & Breakfast
Kevin and Lorri Walsh were living high powered (and high stress) lives in Silicon Valley.   As an executive for a high tech company, Kevin was responsible for strategic planning for one of his companies’ divisions and traveled constantly.  Lorri was racking up the miles as a . . .
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Kelly Macdonald –  Napa Valley Wine Train
If you were to meet Chef Kelly Macdonald on the street, with his charming smile and fiery personality, you’d immediately notice that he is not your average celebrity chef.  As Executive Chef on the Wine Train, Macdonald has one of the most unique jobs in the Napa Valley.
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Connie Gore – Milliken Creek Inn
Check into the most luxurious, romantic spot along the Napa River and you are bound to have nearly every aspect of your unforgettable stay overseen by one woman, Connie Gore. As General Manager of Milliken Creek Inn & Spa her everyday duties include . . .
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The Family Behind St. Pierre Massage
It was in August 2005 that Michelle approached her dad Rick to become her partner for a Napa Spa startup.  They knew they could count on each other to make a Napa quality day spa by combining Michelle’s interest in alternative medicine with Rick’s business background. . . 
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Mario Andretti – Andretti Winery
Mario Andretti is widely acknowledged as the world’s best race car driver. Modest and charming, he has a world-class palate for wine and food. Since its inception in 1996, the Andretti Winery has earned a reputation for producing excellent super premium wines. We spoke to Mario about the wine business, which has become a second career to him.
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