GrapeStars pays tribute to Jean-Charles Boisset, the driving force behind a new vision of Napa Valley

Written in partnership with GrapeStars

The Napa Valley is known the world over for its scenic views and amazing high quality wineries. But there is one man, a Frenchman, who has adopted Napa Valley as his home, and more than anyone else, works tirelessly to promote and promote the vineyards of Napa Valley: Jean-Charles Boisset. Since arriving in Napa Valley in 2009, when he purchased Raymond Vineyards, Jean-Charles has sparked enthusiasm, energy, innovation and an exciting vision for Napa Valley as the most dynamic wine destination. to the world, while embracing the history and authenticity of Napa. and Sonoma.

Recently dubbed “The James Bond of Wine” by Forbes magazine, Mr. Boisset is the owner of his family Boisset collection, headquartered in the Napa Valley with wineries in Napa and Sonoma, as well as Burgundy. , Beaujolais, Provence and Rhône. Valley. Jean-Charles is also married to Gina Gallo of the famous Gallo wine family, so he’s as close to Napa Valley royalty as possible, which is why GrapeStars is proud to honor and celebrate his continuing legacy.

Almost everywhere Boisset goes, magic follows. He has a passion for good wine and a deep history, while constantly being at the forefront of innovation. He embodies the joy of living and defended wine as a way of life – a way of life, thanks to the unifying character of wine. He has implemented organic and biodynamic farming practices in several vineyards, helping to protect and respect the previous environment that produces amazing wines around the world. It is Boisset’s love for history that drove him to discover and associate with some of the Napa Valley region’s most prestigious and legacy wineries, making them part of the prestigious Boisset Collection.

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From Raymond Vineyard and their five generations of winemakers to Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857, Boisset has sought to build a stable of premium wines renowned for their history, while helping the practices of the institutes to help them improve and elevate the quality of their wine.

In 2015, Jean-Charles and Raymond Vineyards teamed up with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony and Golden Globe award-winning singer, songwriter, humanitarian and philanthropist John Legend to create the exclusive LVE wine collection: Legend Vineyard, available on GrapeStars. .com and through the GrapeStars app.

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The Boisset Collection extends beyond high-end wineries to include other historic Napa Valley landmarks including the Oakville Grocery and Wine Merchant (the oldest continuously operating grocery store in California) as well as the 1881 Napa Valley Wine History Museum, where visitors can sample Napa Valley wines from the best producers while browsing the first collection of such relics in Napa Valley related to the wine trade, including antique decanters by Jean-Charles. 2022 will see the opening of the depot in Calistoga, founded in 1868 as California’s second station, the new vision that Jean-Charles infuses into the property will include a gourmet food store, a distilled spirits center, a brewery and a garden beer wagons, and six wagons with their own unique experiences, all rooted in the history of Calistoga founder Sam Brannan.

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He and his wife Gina recently purchased Ink House, a luxury inn in Saint Helena that epitomizes their signature hospitality. If that’s not enough, he has also created homonymous collections for jewelry, perfumes and the JCB Passion collection by Baccarat – the first line of glassware that the historic French crystal company has ever made with a winemaker. Additionally, JCB offerings include home accessories that exemplify the JCB world of hospitality and entertainment. Jean-Charles has also created a collection of unique JCB tasting rooms and salons where customers can have the ultimate experience tasting his namesake wines in a luxurious setting.

JCB Tasting Room, Yountville, CA

Prizes and distinctions followed Jean-Charles throughout his illustrious career. In March 2008, he received the Meininger’s International Wine Entrepreneur of the Year award; and in December 2008, he was named “Innovator of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast. Haute Living named him to the Haute List San Francisco, recognizing the San Francisco Bay Area’s 100 Most Influential People. He received the 2014 Jefferson Prize from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, which celebrates the museum’s historic connection to wine.

In 2015, Jean-Charles was named honorary co-chair of that year’s Sonoma Harvest wine auction, which broke all records raising $ 4.5 million. In March 2017, Jean-Charles and Gina received the Mondavi Food & Wine Award Robert Mondavi Wine & Food awarded by the Collins College of Hospitality Management in honor of their vision and leadership in advancing the wine industry . And in May 2019, Jean-Charles received the Wine Country Business of the Year French American Business Award from the Franco-American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco.

It’s no wonder that GrapeStars takes the time to honor all that Jean-Charles has accomplished, while clinking glasses to his continued success in gaining recognition for Napa Valley wineries. Buy the JBC Collection now at GrapeStars.com.

Jean-Jean Pelletier and Robert Pelletier from GrapeStars were proud to welcome Jean-Charles Boisset during Art Basel in Miami

GrapeStars, led by Jean-Jean and Robert, the two incredible forces behind this incredible innovation for the beverage world, stem from great human passion and ingenuity. They are unstoppable in their approach of reinvention, communication and creation where the dream is linked to reality and to tangible inventive products made by the most precious in the world! More to come because the creativity for them is limitless and I love their fabulous dynamism! Congratulations, GrapeStars !! – Jean-Charles Boisset