Intriguing Couple

As proprietors of St. Helena’s 750 Wines since 2009, Monica and David Stevens have been immersed in running their very distinctive retail wine salon that specializes in both private, curated tastings as well as high-end, limited production boutique wines, sourced from their vintner and winemaker friends in wine country. But that didn’t stop the philanthropic duo from establishing in 2014 the nonprofit Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR), a no-kill rescue and sanctuary based in Carneros, Napa Valley. Named in honor of Monica and David’s beloved Great Pyrenees, JARR is a sustainable education and solutions center for animal advocacy and rescue, providing programming that serves all domestic animals and their humans. Last year, more than 150 volunteers dedicated 12,344 hours to JARR, helping save animals’ lives, and Monica’s tenure within the luxury life- style public relations and hospitality sector has elevated the organization’s annual fundraiser – WineaPAWlooza – as one of the Valley’s most anticipated and spirited wine auctions. Monica and David met in 2006 shortly after she moved to the valley from Chicago; at the time, David owned another wine shop and played bass for Napa Valley’s beloved rock ‘n roll band WRISTROCKET, with whom he continues to perform. The couples’ bond – based on their shared love of wine and animals – was immediate. In tandem, they have steadily grown the stellar reputations of both 750 Wines and JARR, and in spite of busy schedules and long hours, the pair practices what they preach, having adopted four of their own rescue pups: Betsy, Homer, Schnook, and Gunner.

Article By: Fran Miller