06/11/2026
Four years ago today, Josh Jensen passed away.
I first met Josh in 2010 at my first Multiple Sclerosis Society Evening of Wines. Last month, I had the privilege of participating in my seventeenth.
I knew Josh's reputation. Founder of Calera Wine Company . Pioneer of Pinot Noir in America. One of the figures most responsible for proving that American Pinot Noir belonged on the world stage.
What I remember most, however, has very little to do with wine.
In true form, Josh arrived wearing a tuxedo, with a bright red patent leather jacket.
The event is one of the Southeast's largest and most storied charity fundraisers. Josh was the guest of honor. His company was the title sponsor. People had come from all over to meet him.
And yet, when I found myself talking with him, he didn't spend the conversation talking about Calera, Pinot Noir, or himself.
He wanted to know about me.
I was twenty-seven years old.
I had a business, certainly. But I was still very much a kid.
Yet somehow, for the next few minutes, one of the most accomplished people in the room made me feel like I was the interesting one.
A year later, over Thanksgiving, I visited him on his porch in California, overlooking the San Andreas Fault. We talked about wine, certainly. But we also talked about history, ideas, and life.
That was Josh.
You could have a deep conversation with him on nearly any subject. Yet he rarely spoke about himself unless asked.
As the years pass, I find myself remembering that more than any bottle, vineyard, score, or accolade.
Josh understood something that many successful people never do:
People are far more interesting than resumes.
He paid attention to people.
And four years after his passing, that's what I remember most.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Photo by my friend John McDavid.
