A sad day for Napa
Posted by Paul Mabray on July 29th, 2008If you do not know it, we are the next generation of American wine professionals and we still walk among giants. These pillars of our wine community have built each region from nothing to world renown wine growing areas. Mondavi, Phelps, Seghesio, Parducci, Lohr, Barrett - I can go on and on. Many of these great men, or the men that helped build their empires, still walk among us. They give us guidance, counsel and prepare to pass the torch to our generation. Unfortunately these great men are also passing. This year marked the loss of two of my greatest heroes - Robert Mondavi and just this weekend - Tom Shelton. For those who do not know Tom, he was the President of Joseph Phelps Vineyards for 13 years. As a 16 year wine veteran, Tom has been a cornerstone of heroism and a man that championed Napa Valley and the entire wine industry. He was the head of the NVVA for years and I remember his bravery as he tirelessly spoke openly about consumer direct despite running a brand that was very much in wholesale distribution. He was an incredible person and everyone I have ever spoken to held him in the highest regard. Again, I consider myself lucky to walk among these titans who still disseminate knowledge with such kindness. In the last four years running Inertia I had called Tom for advice six times and every single one, without question, he would accommodate my schedule and give me his time to help guide our company and my future. I owe him an incredible debt of gratitude for his guidance and kindness to me, our company and our industry.  His loss this weekend leaves another gaping hole in our industry and I plan to take a moment to spend more time with the remaining legends that have built the foundation to the American wine industry and whom we all owe our thanks.
July 29th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Wow, I too will miss Tom, while being a Giant in the industry he was extremely modest and congenial. Very willing to help those in the trenches. A BIG loss for the wine industry.
July 29th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
There no question what these folks have done for wine, the regions and likely countless others like you Paul. In fact they likely don’t even know they touch some us, that is the amazing thing about greatest or becoming a Legend.
Thanks for sharing and making all realize the importance of history and those that have walked before us.
July 29th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I did not know Tom or Mr Mondavi but have read so much about them. I even did a case study on Mondavi in college. They were two of the greats and we can only hope that the knowledge they have left us will push us into the next generation.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Shelton’s passing. I did not know him, but I do know his wines. I know it takes a great wine person to make great wine, and that he did. I hope his family is doing well, and cheers to him!
Monte D. Young, PC CSW.