Agriculture is a natural way of life
for Don Wallace, the product of four generations of a hard-working
California farming family. Don’s interest in machinery took him away
from the farm for fifteen years while he pursued a career in
international construction. While he was on a project in Sonoma County
in 1980, Don met Dry Creek Vineyard founder David Stare’s daughter, Kim
Stare, whom he married in 1982.
With his father-in-law and wife in the wine
business, Don’s next move was
a stint
among the vines at Murphy-Goode Estate
Winery to “test drive” his new
family’s industry. After one year, Don
accepted his father-in-law’s offer to manage
ranch operations at Dry Creek Vineyard in
1990. Don’s sphere of influence gradually
grew to encompass every aspect of the
business, including winery operations and
sales, as well as vineyard development and
acquisitions. Don took on the role of
General Manager in 1999. In April 2006, Don
was appointed President of Dry Creek
Vineyard.
Frequent
twelve-hour workdays notwithstanding, Don’s
primary focus are his two children, Taylor
and Spencer. From coaching Little League to
addressing homework issues at the kitchen
table, Don prides himself on being a
hands-on Dad. In addition, he still finds
time to pursue an array of interests. Don is
a passionate gardener and gourmet cook,
enjoys mushroom hunting and duck hunting
and, naturally, is an avid sailor.
Don
is the analytical and practical one, while Kim is creative and
intuitive. Despite their stylistic differences, they share the same
vision and agree on virtually all strategic decisions. Perhaps most
fundamental is their mutual agreement to continue the family tradition
of producing only classically styled wines that define their category.
The family lives in a house nestled in the vines next to the winery.
