Jim Barrett (winemaker) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Barrett
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| Born | November 8, 1926 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | March 14, 2013 (aged 86) |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (BA) Loyola Marymount University (JD) |
| Occupation | Winery owner |
| Years active | 1972–1982 |
| Known for | Owner/producer at Chateau Montelena when their 1973 Chardonnay won the Judgment of Paris in 1976. |
| Children | 5, including Bo |
James L. Barrett (November 8, 1926 – March 14, 2013) was an American businessman. He was famous for owning Chateau Montelena, a winery that won a major competition. In 1976, their Chardonnay wine won first place at the Judgment of Paris wine tasting event. This event helped put California wines on the world map.
Growing Up and Learning
Jim Barrett was born on November 8, 1926, in Chicago. His parents, John and Margaret Barrett, were immigrants from Ireland. In the 1930s, his family moved to Los Angeles.
As a young boy, Jim sold newspapers in Los Angeles. Later, he joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. After the war, he went to college. He earned a degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1946. In 1950, he completed his law degree from Loyola Law School.
Starting a Winery
In 1972, Jim Barrett bought the Chateau Montelena winery. He bought it with Ernie Hahn from Lee Paschich. Jim kept Lee Paschich as the general manager. He also hired a talented winemaker named Mike Grgich.
Jim had a vision for the winery. He removed the older types of grapevines that were there. He then planted new, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. While waiting for these new vines to grow, the winery bought Chardonnay grapes from other places.
A Famous Win
In 1976, something amazing happened. Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay wine was entered into a special competition. This event was called the Judgment of Paris. It was a blind tasting, meaning the judges did not know which wine was which.
Experts tasted wines from France and California. Surprisingly, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay won first place! This victory was a huge moment for California wines. It showed that they could be as good as, or even better than, famous French wines.
Family and Legacy
In 1982, Jim Barrett passed on the winemaking duties to his son, Bo Barrett. His son continued the family's work at the winery.
Jim Barrett was even featured in a movie! The 2008 film Bottle Shock tells the story of the Judgment of Paris. Actor Bill Pullman played the role of Jim Barrett in the movie.
Jim Barrett passed away on March 14, 2013, in San Francisco. He was 86 years old. He left behind his wife, Judy, and five children from a previous marriage. His children are Stephanie, Bo, Michael, Kevin, and Gabriela. He also had five grandchildren.
