James L. Barrett
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 he "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.