During the last four decades, I’ve had the time of my life building a multi-generational family wine business and global portfolio of wine estates. Travelling up and down the Pacific coastline of California and Oregon and across the world’s winegrowing regions keeps me on the move. I am constantly looking for the next opportunity or the perfect vineyard to make the next 100-point wine. Slowing down doesn’t always come easy when there are things to do or calls to make, but when you love what you do, it never feels like work. 

Summer is togetherness with my children Katie, Julia and Chris and my seven grandchildren. Time to unwind with my family in special places is my greatest joy. Although life still moves quickly, summer – time gives me a chance to play more with my wonderful grandchildren and make the most of longer days of sunshine. Relaxation comes from cherishing these moments. It keeps me healthy and gives me strength, creativity and perspective to lead our family wine business into the future.

At home in Sonoma County, I’m surrounded by grapes slowly ripening on the vine as anticipation builds for harvest. Walking in my garden is grounding, especially with flowers in full bloom. I enjoy reading a good book and dining outdoors on warm evenings with an invigorating glass of Gran Moraine Chardonnay from Willamette Valley or a Maggy Hawk Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley. At the summer table, our family gathers to relax and share stories, exploring new vintages of bright, refreshing wines that pair with the season’s lighter foods.

Morning hikes with my dogs in the mountains near home re-energise me and clear my mind. I’m grateful to connect with this beautiful landscape and watch the fog from the Pacific Ocean drift across the ridges of our Stonestreet Mountain Estate. Because we leave most of our lands unplanted, I see wildlife roaming freely through forests and open corridors such as coyotes, hawks, eagles, and the occasional mountain lion or black bear, thankfully from a distance. 

Each summer I try to spend time in Hawaii so I can practise yoga on sandy beaches and swim with giant sea turtles. Our family also visits Royal Ascot, England, to watch our horses compete. Seeing our horse Lady Aurelia come out of the gate in a sprint race to win by nearly eight lengths was a spectacular moment. Next, we visit Château Lassègue and explore historic Saint-Émilion before going to Tuscany where we make our wines for Tenuta di Arceno. The region is steeped in history, culture and incredible food and wine, and from my home I can’t see anything built before the twentieth century. Our connection to these ancient, storied wine regions inspires our family vision to keep making world class wines for generations. 

I am grateful to enjoy the company of my family in these beautiful places and celebrate summer with great wine and great food. That’s my definition of living well.    

Barbara Banke has spent the last two decades at the helm of the company she co-founded with her late husband, wine icon Jess Jackson. In addition to their flagship winery Kendall-Jackson, the couple shaped nearly two dozen premium wineries across Sonoma, Napa, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Mendocino counties. The Jackson Family portfolio is now a global collection of acclaimed vineyards and wineries, including properties in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, France, Italy, Chile, Australia, and South Africa. jacksonfamilywines.com