JAZZED UP. Gerry serves as the director of finance, also greeting guests at the winery and pouring glasses at the tasting bar. Rosie, a former home economics teacher and TV cooking-show host, develops the landscaping at the winery and handles daily meals for the staff. Bill Wilson took over the general management of the vineyard, supervising the wine making, building projects, and all special events. Bill's wife, Jenifer, 39, formerly a sales rep for a line of women's swimsuits and beachwear, now supervises weddings at the winery and buys for the gift shop.
Mick Wilson, 41, gave up his job as a pastor in Sacramento to become the winery's marketing director. Mick's wife, Deanna, 38, left her career as a sales rep for a dental supply company and is in charge of distribution. Mick's sister, Libby Wilson Johns, 39, turned in her flight attendant wings to become human resources director. Her husband, Craig Johns, still holds an outside position, working in sales for Johnson & Johnson, but also oversees sponsorships for the "Sunset Jazz in the Vines" concert series.
Like any family business, the Wilsons admit that they sometimes have different ideas on the best course of action. A division of labor has helped. "The biggest key to a family business is to stay out of the other person's area of responsibility," says Bill Wilson. Another important thing is to try and match jobs to each family member's expertise and interests. So far, they've been able to do that. Personal interests have even helped the business grow. "My wife and I are jazz nuts, and we pour wine at jazz concerts down in San Diego," says Bill.
SAILOR'S TIPPLE. In addition, Mick has nurtured a connection with the U.S. Navy. As a result, Wilson Creek has found its way aboard many ships, including seven aircraft carriers. Wilson Creek bottles Captain's Private Reserve, which captains and officers purchase with their own money and present to local dignitaries when the carrier battle group visits foreign ports. In fact, after selling 80 cases of wine to the U.S.S. Constellation, the Navy airlifted Mick, Rosie, and Gerry aboard the carrier while it was at sea. Mick is also a pastor and is starting his own church that meets at the winery. And, yes, Wilson Creek wine is used for communion. Mick also occasionally presides over weddings at the winery, as does his father-in-law, also a minister.
The Wilson family motto has always been, "family first." "We have to make sure that Wilson Creek provides for the family," says Bill Wilson. Pulling in $6 million in revenue last year, it has done just that. Need more proof? Mick Wilson recently traded up to a double-wide mobile home.
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