Very rarely do we get the chance to meet our heroes—those pioneers in a field we obsessively follow. But that’s exactly what happened for Sommeliers Choice Awards when visionary winemaker John Alban took the time to share his journey. Captivated by a glass of Condrieu at the age of 24, Alban set off on a life-changing adventure to the Rhône Valley, eager to learn everything he could about the grape behind this exceptional wine: Viognier.

A key figure in the California Rhône Movement, Alban’s influence was so significant that Robert Parker referred to him as "...the spiritual and qualitative leader of the movement," in The Wine Advocate. Founded in 1986, Alban Vineyards became the first American winery exclusively devoted to Rhône varietals—a bold move at a time when Cabernet and Chardonnay ruled the California landscape.

In this interview, we delve into the mind behind the movement and discover the journey that led Alban to reshape California winemaking.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Tell us a little about your background and journey into winemaking.

I come from a family with no ties to winemaking or grape growing. My father was a beloved physician who enjoyed wine—not as a collector or aficionado, but simply as a consumer. Patients would often gift him bottles, and I spent my childhood cataloging and tasting those wines with him. On vacations, we’d visit tasting rooms, and what was once his pastime became my obsession. The wines we tasted came from all over the world, yet in California, Cabernet and Chardonnay dominated. I began to wonder why such a large and diverse state focused on so few varieties. And it was this curiosity that led me to explore the world of wine and later to my own estate Alban Vineyards.

What does your current role look like, and how do your days unfold?

I oversee all aspects of Alban Vineyards—winemaking, grape growing, sales, and marketing. My day-to-day roles vary with the seasons: spring and summer are dedicated to viticulture, while fall brings a shift to winemaking. We're a hands-on operation, so I’m involved in everything from vineyard management to running the business.

What inspired you to become a winemaker?

What began as my father’s interest in wine became a full-blown obsession for me. I believed there was more potential in California wine than just recreating Old World Cabernet blends or Burgundy whites. I often compare Cabernet and Chardonnay to chocolate and vanilla—amazing flavors, but why stop there when there’s so much more to explore in the world?

Image Title & Credits: John Alban- Alban Vineyards

How do you think winemakers can personally drive marketing and sales?

A sure shot way of how winemakers can do their bit in marketing and driving sales in my opinion is by focusing on quality. I have learnt over the years that the market is remarkably perceptive—it may not always get things right immediately, but it eventually does, and sometimes quite quickly.

How would you define a good winemaker?

It’s quite simple actually. A good winemaker is one who can bring out the full potential of the grapes they work with.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-61]]

What’s the hardest part of a winemaker’s job?

The hardest part of the job for me at least would have to be tuning out distractions and focusing on the primary task, while maximizing the fruit and vineyards you have.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making wine?

I spend a lot of time with my family. They all love food and wine, so we cook, sip, and enjoy meals together frequently.

What’s your idea of a good life?

For me, I’m living it! I love what I do, and I’m lucky to do it with people I care about. We consider it a privilege to do something that brings so much pleasure to others. Beyond work, my sons enjoy spending time together with us and we share many wonderful experiences as a family. That’s my idea of a good life and I am blessed to be living it.

Image Credits: Alban Vineyards

What are your favorite wine books?

Well, to name a few I’d say Hugh Johnson’s Encyclopedia of Wine, Karen MacNeil’s The Wine Bible, and Jancis Robinson’s Vines, Grapes, and Wines.

Header image sourced from John Alban.

Related Links: 
Pablo Avalos on His Commitment to Winemaking and Award-Winning Wines 
Prosecco’s Pinnacle: The Prestige and Promise of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore