He was single, youthful and determined. An entrepreneur with grocery stores in southern Santa Cruz County. She was no less driven nor spirited in her drive to succeed. She was younger than he was. He was the boss. She was a new hire. He was said to be hard-boiled on the outside, softer on the inside. She was strong-willed, stubborn and rarely backed down. He was a pillar of strength. She was on fire with ambition. It was 1983 and the their chemistry was evident from the start.
In the following eight years, Dan Martin and Thérèse Brautovich continued their platonic relationship – each with their own personal lives running parallel to the rigors of managing the crazy ongoing demands of their enterprise. Over time, responsibilities grew for her as she learned the grocery trade, and he increasingly began sharing and relinquishing control. In 1989, the Loma Prieta Earthquake shook the ground they shared in business with a new mountain of challenges. Increased responsibilities and a higher position for Thérèse led to a working relationship that required spending more time with Dan. The result was the creation of a formidable professional duo.
Just before Valentine’s Day in 1991, a new chapter unfolded. They simultaneously awakened to amorous feelings they had never fully realized, nor shared with each other before. The couple had now crossed that storied bridge between friendship and love. Thérèse moved to Dan’s ranch near Gilroy, and on a beautiful fall day in 1992, wedding bells rang in the bucolic foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains.
Their large ranch had never been farmed. But now, after years of appreciating and selling fine wines in their grocery business, it was clear to Thérèse and Dan Martin that the ultimate destiny of their property was to become a vineyard. Not just any vineyard – a great vineyard!
Planting began, with winemakers and winegrowers lending assistance. The grocery stores were sold and spectacular fruit was rendered from this special piece of earth – initially grown for other winemakers, but by 2002, it became the viticultural heart of award winning estate wines produced at what is now known as Martin Ranch Winery. A unique and inviting wine destination created by a rare husband-and-wife business team. They’re living and working proof that with some knowledge, determination, trust, faith and a bit of luck, anything can be accomplished.
Love just might have something to do with it too.
(Submitted by Fred Gillaspy)
