Chasing Passions and Building Promise Winery: The Journey of Stephen and Jennifer McPherson

Wine Talks with Paul K.

When I was approached by a PR firm to interview the Stephen and Jennifer McPherson, I gladly agreed not knowing a thing. Podcasts guests are not hard to find in the industry...but good podcasts guests...that is a different story.

I am about the story. That is what I am pitching in the world of wine; innovation in marketing and packaging are important, but what is that innovation centered on? The story.

And here is a story, what started as a promise between spouses, became a reality and one that they, as many life changes perform, they wish they had started earlier.

If you ever wondered what happens when a top entertainment exec swaps red carpets for rolling vineyards, Stephen and Jennifer McPherson’s journey will uncork your imagination. On this episode, you’ll hear firsthand how passion trumped the allure of Hollywood glitz, beckoning Stephen from ABC to the grape-stained heart of Napa Valley—all because of a vow made to Jennifer on the eve of their wedding. You’ll be invited into the world of Promise Winery, a boutique operation run by this husband-and-wife team with just three employees and a steadfast commitment to staying small, authentic, and deeply personal. Get ready to learn what it takes to follow a dream in an industry that, while brimming with camaraderie and collaboration, is anything but easy. The McPhersons peel back the layers of their calling, sharing stories that reveal why wine is far more than a business—it’s an expression of emotion, a vehicle for connection, and a labor of genuine love. You’ll laugh at the tales of pigs, homemade prosciutto, and kitchen experiments, and come away touched by their philosophy that great wine is born not in boardrooms but through personal relationships, intention, and joy. As you listen, you’ll pick up intimate details about wine’s power to unite, the changing landscape of Napa, the eccentricities of wine marketing, and the importance of sticking to your values when trends and algorithms tempt you otherwise. This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a tour of the soul behind the bottle, with wisdom for anyone dreaming of a life built on what matters most.

1. Promise Winery Website: https://www.promisewine.com

2. Wine of the Month Club Website: https://www.wineofthemonthclub.com

3. Rombauer Vineyards Website: https://www.rombauer.com

4. Goldman Sachs Website: https://www.goldmansachs.com

5. Naked Wines Website: https://www.nakedwines.com

6. Winc (formerly Club W) Website: https://www.winc.com

7. Chateau Coutet Website: https://www.chateaucoutet.com

8. Colgin Cellars Website: https://www.colgincellars.com

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