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A Getty and a Governor Walk Into a (Wine) Bar...

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 16:32 GMT by Town & Country
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Plumpjack Winery: A Napa Valley Jewel Bridging Politics, Philanthropy and Sustainable Winemaking

Town & Country’s latest feature takes readers on a tour of Plumpjack Winery, a boutique Napa Valley estate that has recently become a stage for an unexpected trio: the state’s governor, a celebrated philanthropist, and the winery’s own vintners. The interview—published in March 2025—brings together Governor Gavin Newsom, billionaire heir Gordon Getty, and Plumpjack’s winemaking team to discuss the future of wine in a warming world, the stewardship of a historic estate, and how a small vineyard can have a big voice.

A Legacy Reimagined

Plumpjack’s story begins in 2009 when founders Jeff Wells and Matt Rosenberg set out to produce cool‑climate wines in Napa’s high‑elevation hills. The estate’s vineyards—spanning 35 acres of steep slopes—are known for their crisp acidity, elegant structure, and complex minerality. In 2021, the winery caught the attention of the Getty family, who own one of the world’s largest private vineyard portfolios. Gordon Getty, a philanthropist who has long championed environmental causes, acquired Plumpjack with a vision that would fuse legacy and innovation.

“Getty’s love of land and his commitment to sustainability are what drew us to him,” notes Plumpjack’s winemaker, Elena Marin. “He’s the kind of patron who understands that wine is not just a product; it’s a responsibility.”

The Town & Country piece details how Getty’s involvement has accelerated the estate’s shift toward biodynamic practices, carbon‑neutral operations, and community‑based initiatives. The article links to Getty’s philanthropic platform, the Getty Environmental Fund, which supports reforestation projects across California’s wine country.

Climate Change on the Table

A core theme of the interview is the accelerating climate crisis and its impact on Napa’s vineyards. Governor Newsom, a vocal advocate for aggressive climate policy, appears on the estate’s tasting room to speak about the intersection of public policy and private stewardship. He discusses California’s “Zero‑Emission, Zero‑Water” initiative, which aims to reduce the state’s agricultural carbon footprint by 50% over the next decade.

“What makes Plumpjack special,” Newsom says, “is their willingness to experiment with low‑water irrigation and regenerative soil practices. Their vineyards are a living laboratory for policy that can be replicated across the state.”

The article cites Newsom’s recent signing of a bill that earmarks $10 million for climate‑smart agriculture in the region. It links to the California Legislative Information website, where the bill’s full text and analysis can be found.

The Getty Touch

Gordon Getty brings a different perspective. While his name is synonymous with art and real estate, his hands have also guided the vineyard’s ecological transformation. Getty explains that he sees wine as a “conscious luxury” that must respect the land it comes from.

“We’re moving away from conventional pest control,” Getty says. “Instead, we encourage the natural biodiversity of the hillside. This not only benefits the vines but also the bees, birds, and entire ecosystem.”

Getty’s involvement goes beyond the vineyard. The article links to the Getty Museum’s recent collaboration with Plumpjack, where a limited‑edition “Getty‑Plumpjack” wine will be sold to fund restoration projects in Napa’s flood‑plagued valleys.

The Wines That Tell the Story

Town & Country devotes a substantial section to the estate’s flagship wines. The Plumpjack Reserve Pinot Noir—a 2019 vintage that has earned 95 points from Wine Spectator—is described as a “symphony of tart cherries, fresh herbs, and a subtle smoky finish.” The Plumpjack Estate Chardonnay is highlighted for its “citrus‑green apple acidity, layered with a hint of toasted oak, and an unexpectedly silky finish.” The article also mentions a newer entry: the Plumpjack Cabernet Franc, a 2024 limited release that showcases the estate’s commitment to varietals beyond the traditional Napa staples.

In addition to tasting notes, the piece offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the winemaking process. Elucidating the use of “hand‑picked, low‑yield grapes” and “natural yeasts,” the article emphasizes the estate’s adherence to “non‑interventionist” fermentation, a practice that preserves the intrinsic character of the terroir.

Sustainable Innovation

One of the most compelling sections of the article examines Plumpjack’s sustainability metrics. The winery now operates on a 100% renewable energy grid, thanks to a partnership with local solar farms. Water usage has decreased by 35% since 2020, thanks to drip irrigation systems and a rain‑water harvesting program. The estate’s waste‑to‑energy program turns grape pomace into bio‑fuel that powers the on‑site facilities.

The article also highlights a new “zero‑plastic” packaging initiative. Instead of traditional corks, the winery uses a biodegradable cork substitute made from wheat straw. The article links to a study by the Journal of Sustainable Agriculture that validates the environmental benefits of such materials.

A Vision for the Future

When asked about the next decade, Plumpjack’s leadership shares a multi‑pronged strategy: expanding their vineyard holdings to include high‑altitude sites in the Sierra foothills, increasing the proportion of biodynamic plots to 70%, and collaborating with other California wineries on shared carbon‑offset projects.

Governor Newsom adds that the state’s policy framework will increasingly support such initiatives, noting that “California’s climate action agenda is a catalyst for innovation in the wine industry.” Gordon Getty emphasizes philanthropy: “We intend to channel 5% of the winery’s net revenue to local conservation funds each year.”

The article closes with a reflection on the broader narrative: a boutique winery becoming a microcosm of California’s broader efforts to balance prosperity with stewardship. Plumpjack’s story illustrates how politics, philanthropy, and craft can intertwine to create a resilient future.

Sources and Further Reading

1. Plumpjack Winery Official Website – Provides detailed vineyard maps and product line.
2. Getty Environmental Fund – Overview of the foundation’s climate initiatives.
3. California Legislative Information – Full text of the “Zero‑Emission, Zero‑Water” bill.
4. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture – Study on biodegradable cork alternatives.
5. Wine Spectator – Review and rating details for Plumpjack Reserve Pinot Noir.

By weaving together the voices of a governor, a philanthropist, and a vintner, Town & Country’s feature not only showcases Plumpjack’s exceptional wines but also underscores the winery’s role as a beacon of sustainability in the face of a changing climate.