On The Pass 137. Matt Crafton: Building for the Next 50 Years
This conversation is about much more than wine.
On this episode of On The Pass, we sit down with Matt Crafton, winemaker at the legendary Chateau Montelena, as the winery approaches a historic milestone—50 years since the Judgment of Paris reshaped the global perception of American wine.
Rather than rehashing history, this conversation looks forward.
Matt shares his unconventional path into winemaking, from leaving finance behind, starting at the bottom of the cellar, and embracing craft over comfort, to now stewarding one of the most iconic names in Napa Valley alongside CEO Bo Barrett.
Together, we explore:
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What it means to build something that outlives you
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Leading with trust, clarity, and creative freedom
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Replanting vineyards with a century-long mindset
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Embracing innovation and technology without losing soul
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Why wine is ultimately about people, connection, and shared moments
You don't need to be a wine expert to take something meaningful from this episode. This is a conversation about legacy, leadership, patience, and community—told through the lens of a place that has helped shape American culture.
If you care about building things with intention, thinking long-term, and creating work that endures, this episode is for you.
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