Old Bill set us up for lunch a little south of Dry Creek Valley in the Russian River area with vineyard manager, and new winery owner Ulises Valdez. His story has been told by the Wine Spectator (December 15th 2007) but I’ll share a few details about him here. This is a man who crossed the border from Mexico into California in 1985 at the age of sixteen for the promise of a better life. He didn’t speak english, and didn’t have anything. He started working in the vineyards, was a quick study and a dedicated worker. In ’86 a national amnesty was granted to millions of illegal immigrants, Valdez seized the opportunity and has never looked back. Today he manages over 800 acres of vineyards for some of Sonoma County’s most famed winemakers, (some of whom in turn make the wine that carries the Valdez label) and has saved enough to purchase property in the Russian River which will include the tasting room for Valdez Family Winery and his family home as well.
We sat out under a stand of oak trees where the house will be built and discussed his life, his passion, and his philosophy over sandwiches and his wines.
With a cell phone on his left pocket and pruning shears on his right, Ulises opened his wines and poured for us. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and three Zinfandels. For WiseGuy’s notes on the Valdez wines, click here.
We talked about coming up from nothing, about working hard, working honest and working smart. We talked about using every encounter as an opportunity for learning. We talked about having the patience and the tenacity to wait for opportunities to come, and the ability to see a opportunity coming. Valdez has not taken his U.S. citizenship lightly - he has turned into an employer that gives back to the economy that has afforded him the chance to go after his dreams. He’s got top people in the industry working for him - not too many wineries can boast a winemaking team that includes Paul Hobbs, Mark Aubert and Jeff Cohn. He has Ed Hogan, formerly with Pahlmeyer, consulting with him on marketing and image issues. Valdez has created an experience profile from Rockpile to Occidental that says “I’m the guy you want tending your vineyard” without actually having to say a word himself. How did he get to this point?
I think he summed it up in two simple statements. He said “I’m learning about wine little by little.” For the last 20+ years he’s been intentionally gathering information that he has used to place him where he is today. He also offered this telling secret: “I learned english from talking and listening, and I can read english, but the only word I can write is ‘love.’”
I think he got the first word right.
The love of family, of the land, of his work and of his dream has reminded me of what’s important in life here on earth. I think we might just seeing the beginning of what will be a venerable, multi-generational enterprise - one that started with nothing but the idea of a better life. WiseGuy’s hat is off to Ulises Valdez - an actual wise man, and a thorough example of what the American dream is really all about.
