By 1984, B.R. Cohn Winery was up and running, and gentleman farmer/rock ‘n’ roller Cohn fully embraced his double life. Ever the savvy businessman, Cohn compares the two this way: “Wine changes from vintage to vintage, and music changes from album to album. Also, the way wine and CDs are sold is very similar; both use a three-tier style of distribution to determine how they’re priced for wholesale, retail and other sales opportunities. Now, of course, the diresct-to-consumer model is also being used, and we’ve adapted to that change in both businesses.”
Are you a creature of habit?
Yes. I like being on time to meetings. I like three meals a day. I like getting to the office the same time each day when I’m in town. I like a glass of port after dinner. I like lox on rye toast on Sunday mornings if I can find it wherever I am.
What book has had the most impact on your life?
General Viticulture by A.J. Winkler.
What type of museum do you most like to visit?
Artifacts exhibits and science and industry museums.
What habit in other people annoys you the most?
Talking a lot about unimportant things.
What silly thing have you done in the name of love?
Got married.
What do you love to do outside of work?
Fishing, boating and restoring classic cars and hot rods. I love the cars’ style, personality and how they evoke the time periods they’re from.
What was your first car?
A 1951 Mercury; I paid $200 and sold it probably still running.
Name one luxury (or high-tech) item you’d like to buy and why.
A Pontiac GTO to add to my car collection.
What stresses you out?
Things left undone for too long.
Who is the closest friend you’ve ever had?
Dan Weiner was the best man at both of my weddings. He’s the booking agent for the Doobies and I’ve known him for 37 years.
What’s your favorite quote?
“You snooze you lose” and “Hurry up and wait.”
Describe a crazy life moment.
I’ll never forget the weightless descent on the Doobie Liner airplane in 1979. We were taking the cover photo for the “Minute by Minute” album.
Window or aisle seating?
Aisle up front. It’s easy to get to the bathroom or to walk around—plus, you’re first off the plane.
If you could solve one unsolved crime from history, what would it be?
Who was behind the JFK assassination?
Do you believe in miracles?
I do. I’ve been through accidents where it was a miracle that I lived, including crashing several motorcycles and a racecar, which went end over end at 195 mph (the parachute broke). And my son survived a bout of malaria, which put him on life support for seven weeks.
If you were to be recognized by posterity for only one thing, what would you want it to be?
Charity work. [Editor’s note: Since 1987, B.R. Cohn Winery has hosted a fall concert series and golf tournament annually, with a portion of proceeds benefiting various local charities.]
How would you describe the perfect day?
Everything running smoothly, time with the family and friends, good health and a great dinner with a glass of B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Estate Cabernet.
Is it better to love or be loved?
I want both.
