Jim Barrett came to the Napa Valley in 1972 with one thing in mind, to start a world-class winery. He doesn’t mind telling visitors, “I wanted to do something to make people happy.”

After being discharged from the Navy at the end of World War II, Jim returned to school to complete his education. Five years later he had earned a Law Degree from Loyola University in Southern California. It wasn’t long before he had a thriving legal practice, and was Senior Partner of his firm for over 20 years.

Being an incurable romantic, he discovered the empty stone chateau and the dilapidated vineyards at the northern end of Napa Valley, and decided that Chateau Montelena was the perfect place to realize his dreams. Jim restored most of the original vineyards and completely refurbished the winery, completing the “rebirth” of the winery.

The first few years he still lived and worked in Southern California, so “commuted” to the winery on a regular basis in his own airplane. After finally being able to make the move to Napa Valley, he has actively supported many organizations:

Napa Valley Vintners’ Association
            Director – 1984/85/86
            President – 1986

 Family Winemakers of California
            Director – 1992

Thomas Aquinas College
            Board of Governors – 1993 to present

N.P.H.I. – Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos International
            Board of Directors – 1993 to present

Irish Order of the Wine Geese
            Member – 1999 to present

When not at the winery, Jim enjoys spending his time playing tennis, fly fishing, bird hunting, and skiing.