Featured California Winegrower - Hector Bedolla, Russian River Region

"I have many passions."

It’s the way La Crema vineyard manager Hector Bedolla lives his life. He doesn’t simply like anything. He loves everything he does, everything he embraces.

Growing up in Napa Valley, his heart has always been in the wine country. He appreciates the ambience, adores the lifestyle. These days he watches over 300 acres of winegrapes in the hilly vineyards of Sonoma County. Some are organic. All are sustainable.

Counting on the cool coastal climate of the foggy Russian River Valley, Hector nudges La Crema’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes to produce intense, concentrated flavors. It’s the winery’s signature.

The son of a bracero, Hector farms for his family. It’s a tradition spanning six generations. And it’s helping he and his wife support two daughters through two college careers at New York’s Cornell University. One will be a doctor - or maybe even a lawyer. The other will one day run a fabulous hotel.

Outside “paradise” (home) and away from the vineyard, Hector is an expert fly fisherman. He listens to jazz, classical, country and rock. He once tried surf fishing, but caught nothing more than a sunburn. He gardens with his wife. Last year he made homegrown port. This year he’ll cultivate cigar tobacco to make his own hand-crafted stogies.

When it comes to wine, Hector prefers a Zinfandel with a hamburger, BBQ ribs or chocolate cake. For his blue cheese, French bread or salmon? Sauvignon Blanc.

And when he dreams, this viticulturalist eyes yet another colorful adventure.

“I think retirement will bring out the painter in me.”

He’ll recreate the scenery of his life. Landscapes. Seascapes. Or perhaps a few vineyards.

Second Occupation: President, Russian River Fly Fishers

Education: University of California, Davis (plant science)

Siblings: Seven

Favorite Wine: Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc

Passions: Too many to count