Media Releases
Napa, CA (November 16, 2018) – Festival Napa Valley announced today the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Trinchero Family Estates Principal and Vice Chairman Robert “Bob” Torres, and Trefethen Family Vineyards CEO John Trefethen. Comprised of 22 prominent vintners, business leaders and philanthropists, the Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing Festival Napa Valley’s mission of enriching the community through innovative performances and inspiring educational programs.
“We have been fortunate to build an exceptional Board of Directors over the years,” said Timothy Blackburn, Chairman of Festival Napa Valley, “and our board members play a vital role in the Festival’s success. We are grateful to Bob and John for agreeing to contribute their time, talent and expertise to the success of our organization. I know they will bring enthusiasm, relationships and support that will make Festival Napa Valley stronger and better than ever.”
Bob Torres is a St. Helena native and third generation owner of Trinchero Family Estates. He has worked for the family business since 1983 after graduating from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in architecture. Today, he serves as Principal, Vice Chairman and Director of Trinchero. Torres has shaped the creative vision of the family’s flagship 22,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art winery, as well as Trinchero Family Estates’ $200 million production facility expansion.
“I have always admired Festival Napa Valley’s work and how the Festival gives back to our community. Becoming a board member is truly an honor,” said Torres. “I hope to help Festival Napa Valley continue its impressive growth.”
After a stint in the U.S. Navy, John Trefethen began making small batches of wine in his basement while studying at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Aided by his wife Janet, John produced Trefethen Vineyards’ first wine in 1973, when there were only 30 wineries in the Napa Valley. Just three years later, the winery’s Chardonnay earned “Best Chardonnay in the World” honors at the 1979 Gault Millau World Wine Olympics in Paris. Under Janet and his leadership, the winery has continued to grow in stature while remaining estate grown and family owned. John has continued to follow his passions of wine, piloting, and auto racing. Today, he is proud to see the third generation, Lorenzo and Hailey, assume the stewardship of the family estate.
“I am delighted to join Festival Napa Valley’s Board of Directors. The Festival Napa Valley team has built an internationally recognized brand by bringing world-class talent to the Valley and by supporting talented musicians the world over. I look forward to learning from and assisting the Festival as it continues to support those whose talents touch all of us so deeply,” said Trefethen.
The 14thedition of Festival Napa Valley will take place at venues throughout Napa Valley, July 12-21, 2019. View the full board roster at https://festivalnapavalley.org/about-us/board/.