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Joseph Phelps was born on a farm and spent his early years as a working member of a farm family. In college, he studied engineering and construction management while working intermittently as a construction estimator. Graduation was followed by three years as a naval officer in the Pacific during the Korean conflict.
Upon return to civilian life, Phelps began a first career that included presiding over the expansion of a small local firm into a nationally prominent construction organization, recognized as a leader in its field.
In 1972 and 1973, Joe established the business and built the winery which bears his name, and which over the years has become identified as one of the most respected benchmarks of California wine quality. The transition from construction executive to winegrower may appear to many as an unlikely career change, but to Phelps it is simply a logical full circle return to earlier priorities. "I'm very fortunate," he muses. "I've been able to combine the relaxed and less demanding life style of farming with a fulfilling commitment to quality and a lifelong affection for fine wines."
Joe resides on the Spring Valley ranch on a hill overlooking the winery. | 