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Published: 1 years 199 days ago
Growing Region: Lake County
Rob Roumiguere came to growing winegrapes after working in the restaurant and financial planning industries, but it’s agriculture that has captured his heart. “I love the people. With agriculture in general, it’s just a different breed of folks. Being able to work with them on a regular basis and interacting with the community of winegrape growers, it’s a great industry,” says Rob. His employees are no exception. “Fortunately we’ve had a good solid group that has been with us for a long time. Their consistency and work ethic is phenomenal. We’ve developed great relationships with them.” Perhaps it’s the Boy Scout in him (he’s volunteered as a scout master for more than two decades—a passion many of his peers are unaware of), but service always comes first with Rob. “We really emphasize service and giving the wineries what they want,” explains Rob. “It’s a huge deal with us, working with the individual winemakers to match their goals with the fruit that we’re providing them.” Besides stellar service, Rob and his brother, John, are constantly mindful of limiting the use of pesticides and herbicides in the vineyard as much as possible. For his part, Rob prefers wines that “are more fruit-forward,” admitting that the grower in him wants to taste the grapes. You’ll find him drinking “a lot of sauvignon blanc—I don’t really care what it’s with. I also really enjoy a good port or cabernet with just a little bit of chocolate.”
How he defines success: “When everything works: the winemaker’s happy, we’re happy, the community is happy, when it all kind of comes together. Everybody working together is what’s exciting, and that’s what I think success is.” Secret to growing great winegrapes: “Having a passion for it. You’ve got to love it, because it’s tough.” Community involvement: Boy Scouts, Lake County Wine Alliance (which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities) Hobbies: Hunting, snow skiing
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