NAVY TO NAPA: Inside one veteran’s path to winemaking success

Key Concepts

• Navy Veteran turned Winemaker: Adam Lazar, a former Navy veteran, transitioned into the wine industry.
• Pinot Noir: A specific type of grape and wine that Lazar specializes in.
• Wine Consumption Trends: A discussion on the global decline in wine consumption and the dominance of American winemaking styles.
• American Winemaking Style: Characterized as "big and full," often receiving high scores and translating to sales.
• Military Skills in Winemaking: Application of discipline, troubleshooting, and problem-solving from Navy experience to winemaking.
• Grape Harvest Timing: Emphasized as the most critical decision in winemaking.
• Terroir: The concept that wine, particularly Pinot Noir, reflects the characteristics of its growing region.
• Fox Nation Series "Wine Nation": A series featuring Lazar's story and winemaking process.
• Winemaking Process: Fermentation in small bins and aging in French oak barrels.
• Fox News American Wine Club: A wine club that supports U.S. veterans with each case purchase.

Adam Lazar: From Navy Veteran to Pinot Noir Winemaker

This segment introduces Adam Lazar, a former Navy veteran who has transitioned into winemaking, focusing on high-end Pinot Noir in California. His business has evolved into a small, family-run venture producing a variety of wines.

Transition to Winemaking

Lazar explained that his passion for wine developed during his service in the Navy, particularly during overseas deployments. Upon returning to the United States after the Gulf War, he pursued a degree in enology at Fresno State University, further cultivating his passion.

Wine Consumption Trends and American Dominance

The discussion touched upon a global decline in wine consumption. Lazar suggested this might be linked to the dominance of American winemaking styles, which he described as "big and full." He noted that these styles tend to receive the highest scores, which in turn often translate into higher sales.

Military Experience and Winemaking Parallels

Lazar highlighted how his Navy experience directly translates to winemaking. He cited discipline, trouble-shooting, and the ability to process complex decisions as key transferable skills. He elaborated on the decision-making process in winemaking, stating that within the first few days of receiving grapes, a winemaker might face 100 to 200 different decisions regarding the wine's direction. The military training in remaining calm under pressure and breaking down large problems into smaller, manageable steps is crucial for navigating these complexities.

The Criticality of Grape Harvest Timing

A central theme emphasized by Lazar is the paramount importance of timing the grape harvest. He stated, "Probably the most important decision you make in wine making, is when those grapes come off the vine." He acknowledged that errors in timing can occur, sometimes by the hour, underscoring the precision required.

Differentiating Quality and Experience

When asked what makes his wine better than the competition, Lazar humorously attributed it to being "better looking." More seriously, he emphasized the value of experience, having been in the winemaking business for 34 years. This extensive experience, coupled with significant time spent in vineyards and wineries, tasting extensively, and learning from making "a lot of bad wines," has contributed to his expertise.

The 2023 Vintage and Regional Expression

Lazar presented his 2023 vintage Pinot Noir, describing it as "one of the best" he has ever made. He explained that a key factor in its quality is its ability to reflect the region where it was grown. He specifically noted that Pinot Noir, more than many other grape varietals, readily absorbs the character of its terroir. He provided examples, stating that Sonoma Pinot Noir is easily distinguishable from Oregon Pinot Noir, and that the Santa Maria Valley has its own unique flavor profile. He acknowledged that while grape growers and advanced wine enthusiasts are likely aware of these regional differences, the broader public may not be as attuned.

"Wine Nation" Series and Winemaking Techniques

Lazar's story is featured in the new Fox Nation series, "Wine Nation." In the preview, he reiterates the application of his military six-step troubleshooting methodology to winemaking, emphasizing the process of dissecting a large problem into smaller components to identify the root cause. He credits the military with instilling a sense of "don't panic" and the belief that "there's a solution to everything."

Regarding his winemaking process, Lazar confirmed that he discusses his methods in the series. He outlined the basic steps: grapes are fermented in small bins and aged in French oak barrels. He also mentioned employing proprietary "tricks and things" along the way, which he keeps confidential.

Fox Nation Partnership and Fox News American Wine Club

Lazar expressed his satisfaction with his partnership with Fox Nation. The full series of "Wine Nation" is available on FoxNation.com. Additionally, viewers can learn more about the Fox News American Wine Club at the Fox News Wine Shop.com. A significant aspect of this club is that a donation is made to U.S. veterans with every club case purchased.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Adam Lazar's journey from Navy veteran to accomplished winemaker exemplifies the successful application of military discipline and problem-solving skills to a complex craft. His emphasis on the critical role of harvest timing and the regional expression of Pinot Noir highlights key tenets of quality winemaking. The partnership with Fox Nation and the Fox News American Wine Club not only showcases his story but also supports a worthy cause for veterans, demonstrating a commitment beyond just producing fine wine.