Gentleman Farmer Jeff Durham Shares His Guide to Napa 

Napa native Jeff Durham (@jeffbret) and his partner in life and business, Joey Wolosz (@joeywolosz), started making wine in a St. Helena garage in 1999. In 2005, they launched Gentleman Farmer Wines with 80 cases. Today, the duo produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rosé and special red blends like the 2022 Red Wine for Pride, and hosts guests at their craftsman bungalow. For a tasting experience, Durham and Wolosz cook breakfast,  lunch, or dinner in their charming kitchen while sharing stories, anecdotes, and wine with an intimate group. It’s one of Napa’s most captivating tastings and an unpretentious, welcoming way to learn about wine and the industry.   

What do you love most about Napa Valley?

Napa has world-class wine, stunning scenery, and just about everyone is walking the streets with a dog. But what actually keeps me rooted here is the people—workers who came from everywhere and make this valley better for it, local business owners who compete by day and champion each other by night, and neighbors who treat the farmers market like a spiritual experience. We didn’t just find a place to live—we found our people. We are connected.

What do you think would surprise visitors most about the Napa Valley?

It’s a long Valley, from American Canyon to Calistoga. Pull out a Thomas Guide or Google Maps and plan accordingly. For the love of God, three tastings MAX in a day and schedule your meals early; you WILL cancel your dinner plans the first night. You’re not going to spit. Don’t even say you’re going to spit.

What are you most excited about right now regarding Gentleman Farmer wines?

People walk in for wine and walk out two hours later having made three new friends and heard at least one story they’ll be repeating for years. It’s got the music you didn’t know you needed, family heirlooms that spark conversations, snacks that remind you of something, and the wine that brought you here in the first place. Joey and I are equal parts vintner, historian, and therapist. Locals bring their out-of-town guests, visitors tell their friends, and somehow everyone leaves feeling like a regular. We’re making memories. We didn’t want a traditional tasting room, and we built Napa’s “living room.”

What are your best-kept secrets for the perfect weekend in Napa Valley?

It’s a big Valley, so here’s a thought for Downtown Napa: 2nd Street, between School Street and Franklin Street (dubbed Napa SoFi). It packs a lot in a short block. Jeffries General, Ohm Coffee Roasters, Muguette Renee Boutique, Benevolent Neglect Wines, Gamling & McDuck Wine. Great vibes, great local owners. And don’t forget Antiques on 2nd!

Where’s your go-to spot for a post-hike coffee or pre-gallery lunch?

Winstons. These people bake everything in-house and have great food. Dinner pop-up on the weekends! The team is great! Just as importantly, they are doing so much good in our Napa community.

What’s one local business or hidden gem that perfectly captures the spirit of Napa Valley? 

Hidden gem and it’s free! Take a morning stroll down Yount Mill Road in Yountville. Park your car and walk or ride your bike. Longhorn cattle, vineyards, homes, bikers, joggers, locals and visitors, all saying hello!

What’s one thing you do daily that makes you feel connected to Napa?

Every morning, I drive from Yountville to downtown Napa; it’s less of a commute and more of a daily reminder of life. The moment you hit Highway 29, the vineyards open up, the mountains settle in around you, and then you’ve got hot air balloons drifting overhead, the Wine Train rolling by like it has nowhere better to be, and runners and cyclists on the Vine Trail making the rest of us look bad. Not a bad way to start the day.

If you had to describe Napa in a single phrase, what would it be?

Living the dream.