Photograph by Thomas Michael Alleman
Photo Essay: Fields of Dreams
Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards
Temecula, CA
Mick Wilson inspects the quality of the grapes, which has improved this year. The harvest also yielded fewer grapes, possibly signaling the end of a glut that has plagued the wine industry in recent years.
- Who: Bill Wilson, 42, and family
- Revenues: $6 million
- Employees: 70
- Past Life: Financial adviser
- How it Started: "I asked my best friend what I should be doing for a living and he said, 'There's a guy who's wanting to sell his winery.'"
- Preparation: Took classes at University of California at Davis, known for its viticulture program.
- Initial Investment: $1.2 million
- Bought Winery in: 1996
- Broke Even: 2002
- Best Thing About Winery: Bringing the whole family together
- Biggest Challenge: It's all-consuming