EVENTS

Jeff Riggs

Owner
Troika Wines

In 2009, Noël and I started to visit Napa Valley as often as we could. Visiting wineries, tasting wines, and enjoying the culture of the Valley, we appreciated the area so much that in 2011 we became members of the Napa community. After immersing ourselves in the wine culture and discussing the different paths we could choose to be involved in this life-style, our passion for wine led the way; we wanted to make a wine that we would be proud to call our own. The decision was made and our journey began, in 2013 we started to make our dream a reality.

I spent my early summers at my Grandparents’ farms and apple orchards in the Okanagan Valley in the State of Washington. Every summer, my responsibilities grew in the orchards, from changing the water lines to thinning apples and finally the harvest. It was a different time then, where families were expected to be a part of the operation to insure a successful harvest. It’s been 45 years since I left the farm, but it never left me.

In early 1972, my family moved to the Almaden Valley, from our house we could see the Almaden Vineyards on Blossom Hill Road. Each day I would take a shortcut through the vineyards on my way to school, watching the vines do their magic. This early exposure to the wine culture has had the same impact on me as my earlier experience in the apple orchards. I watched as the orchards and vineyards gave way to homes and shopping centers. It was disappointing to me, losing the farms and orchards. Well, Napa has given it all back to me, I’m home.

Noël’s early life was spent in Colorado, where she spent time with her brothers enjoying all that the Rockies make available. Being exposed to such a strikingly beautiful wilderness had its impact on Noël. Being free to roam has been her way, she has raised our children to be the same, free spirits.

A couple of years ago I left a thirty-year career in the corporate world. Noël and  I needed the change, to become “simple” again. We want our children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to experience the life we did growing up, together, to strive for the dream of a family owned and operated label that provides the love and care to make fine wines. We are Troika Wines.