Chapter One

The Falling Leafs and Growing Seeds of Changing Times

Brian Waggoner, a hard working general contractor, was finishing a day’s work on the newest winery his firm had been contracted to erect. He not only enjoyed building the wineries his good friend and architect partner had designed, but he had acquired a taste for fine - no extremely fine - wines many of which he knew he should not be purchasing while he was developing his growing business and providing for his family. As he left the job site, his wife, Ginger, called to remind him that they had to attend a major wine fundraising event that night at the Wine Country Resort and Country Club honoring the achievements of one the Napa Valley’s last surviving great renaissance winegrowers of the reborn Napa Valley following repeal of the 13-year Prohibition Era - Luigi Castallini. He told his wife he would be home shortly, quickly shower, shave and redress within the hour. Ginger was pleased as she hung up with the salutation, “Love you.”

Harvey Drake, Executive Director of the Napa County Winegrowers Association (NCWA) was at the grand staircase entry at the old colonial mansion at the Resort built by one of San Francisco’s wealthiest businessman back in the 1870s. Drake was receiving the dignitaries and invited guests to this very special occasion. Every time a car or limo pulled up to deposit an attendee, Harvey couldn’t help wonder how such a simple yet at the same time complex Italian man could have garnished such national, indeed international, fame when in Harvey’s opinion the man had only been feeding his egotistical ambitions to build his own empire.

Luigi Castallini was in his home attempting to dress himself but finding the task burdensome and frustrating, he called out, ”Maria, come help this old man, I can’t get these damn pants up over my knees!“ As he sat there waiting for her answer and arrival, he reflected on his frustrations while muttering aloud but quietly, “I’m no longer in control of my winery… and now… I can’t even control my body … I have no dignity remaining! My wife…. strangers she hired…..dress and undress me. My children….. selling off my dream ….. rushing to monetary wealth…… my dream and I built it. …. What has become of the world I knew?”

Bruce and Ginger arrived at the Wine Country Resort at the same time as the limo carrying the Castallini clan. The valets looked to Bruce and then over at the limo. Bruce saw their dilemma, as Bruce was a good customer, so he quickly motioned to them that all was just fine and he motioned with his hand for them to go attend to the Castallini party. They quickly moved to the limo. Bruce got out of car, leaving the keys in the ignition and walked around to open the door for Ginger. She stepped out revealing a magnificent white lace dress with black satin belt accenting her small waistline. She wore black pumps, a small black handbag and black pearl jewelry. Her black hair was pulled up into a very tight, neat bun that revealed her long graceful neck. She was a stunning woman who would eventually turn every eye in the building. Bruce was even taken back by her stunning beauty under the spotlights at the entryway. He couldn’t believe he had not seen this beauty when they left their home just a few minutes earlier.

Bruce was on a mission that evening which even his Ginger was not privileged to know about. He was going to sit with some VIP’s of the largest and most diverse companies who also owned wine production facilities in, and sold wines from, Napa Valley. The single meeting agenda item was to discuss the potential for development of a considerable number of upscale, high valued residential home sites for international business executives who wanted “retreats” in Napa Valley. Bruce could hardly contain himself in anticipation of this business meeting. He knew if he could persuade them to use his firm, he would obtain the wealth and recognition he so desired.