John Conover

San Francisco -

John Conover likes to take the feet in the soil approach to managing Odette Estate, a winery in Napa. Being in the wine business for 30 years has afforded Conover the ability to get on the Board of Directors of the Napa Valley Grape Growers, managing Odette, and working with winemakers at different estates in California. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Conover now lives in Napa Valley and is living his dream; maybe it is his dream job, or maybe it is his life philosophy of being gracious, humble, and always keeping a glass half full attitude.

Q&A:

Hometown?

San Antonio, Texas.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)

Saint Helena, Napa Valley California.

Any notes on your education?

The best thing about attending California State University Chico was finding my life long calling of being a Napa Valley Vintner, growing grapes and having my dreams come true.

Favorite sport to watch?

College Basketball and Football specifically University of Southern California & University of Virginia both where my daughters attend.

Best vacation ever?

Tough one. As a surfer Mentawai Islands Sumatra Indonesia for pure relaxation culture with my wife/daughters Bali Indonesia.

Dream trip destination? Why?

Family Trip to the Mentawai Islands Sumatra Indonesia.

Favorite dinner?

Morimoto Sushi Napa California.

Favorite dessert?

2016 CADE Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley with French or Spanish soft cheese.

Underrated food?

Barbecue.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Barbecue.

Best meal you’ve had at a restaurant?

Restaurant at Meadowood, Napa Valley.

Road trip -- three in the car with you. Living or dead. Who are they? Why?

Thomas Jefferson, Miki Dora and Ernest Hemmingway.

Favorite movies?

Mafi or Spy.

Favorite bands?

Better than Ezra, Counting Crows, Jackson Brown.

Car you drive now.

Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Truck.

Car you’d like to drive. Why?

1973 Porsche 911 RS. Handmade and simple.

Best car you’ve owned

1997 Porsche Turbo.

Got a favorite watch?

Yes, Garmin 5.

Got a dream watch?

50’s Rolex in Rose Gold.

Summer drink of choice?

CADE Sauvignon Blanc, Beer Russian River Brewing Company Pliny the Elder or water.

Winter drink of choice?

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from CADE PlumpJack or Odette.

Cologne?

Armani.

Go-to red on a wine list?

Besides our own, Littori Pinot Nori never disappoints.

Go-to white?

CADE Sauvignon Blanc or Aubert Chardonnay.

Favorite beach?

Spanish Bay Monterey California.

Best work advice you ever got?

Find your calling in life and you will never have to work another day!

Best thing about your career?

I found my calling and all of my dreams have come true.

Got any philosophies to live by?

Gratitude, Be Humble, Share, Glass Half Full and surround yourself with like minded people.

What do you do now for work? Tell us something about your work and career path.

As a young man followed my heart not my head and found a lifelong career, never ending learning and a task I will never master.

What does luxury mean to you?

Simplicity and memories.

Do you have any philanthropic interests/endeavors?

Public Education, Breast Cancer Research and Cleaning Up the Ocean.