After graduating from college in 1990 (MA in history from San Francisco State), Novatoan Tom Wark began a career in public relations with one of the first firms to specialize in the wine industry. It was a good fit from the start, and, just four years later, he branched out on his own, offering a variety of marketing communications solutions to wineries and wine- and food-related businesses nationwide.
“I was more interested in a career in public relations,” he remembers, “but when I discovered there were PR firms that specialized in wine, I knew I’d found my calling.”
He’s now head of Wark Communications and also author of the popular “Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog” (fermentation.typepad.com): “A blog set inside the world of wine public relations—where the media, the culture and I mingle,” reads the tagline.
These days, he lives in the town of Sonoma, where he enjoys “golfing, dining out and mixing cocktails.”
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
For some reason, the moment I heard that I was selected to be a pitcher on my Little League All-Star Team when I was 12 sticks in my head as an intensely happy moment. Baseball was very important to me at that age.
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?
I actually have cats, but honestly, I’m more of a dog person. I love the interaction you get from dogs. (I hope my cats aren’t reading this.)
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which would you choose?
“Jeopardy.” I have a pretty quick trigger thumb…plus my trivia knowledge is pretty darned good.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to play center field for the San Francisco Giants.
What do you like most about living in Wine Country?
The climate. This is God’s Country and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. More often than not, I can play golf in January and not freeze—and play golf in August and not die of heat stroke.
What item in your office has special significance for you?
There’s a sticky note stuck to my computer from a very special woman. It reminds me why I have a special life.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d change my age. I’d like the chance to do this all over again. I’d like to be 18 again. Come to think of it, I’d like to be 18 again in 1981 and know then what I know now. It would make life easier—and I’d do pretty well in the stock market, too.
What was the most important thing your father taught you?
My father taught me everything I know about how to be a good and courageous man. Nothing I’ve experienced or learned since his passing when I was 16 has proven his lessons incorrect.
What’s your dream car?
I like riding in limos. So, my dream car would be one I’m not driving.
What’s your favorite food? How often do you eat it?
Rib eye, medium rare, topped with seared foie gras. I eat that combo rarely. I like strawberry Pop-tarts, too.
What’s your Stupid Human Trick?
I can pull a quarter out of your ear.
Which bad habit irritates you the most in other people?
I tend to get annoyed when people misuse words—and do so confidently.
What’s one thing you’d really like to learn how to do?
I want to learn how to mix drinks really well. I’ve been practicing and putting myself on a learning curve to do just this. The cocktail is a very American creation and a nice analogy for the American experience. Plus, you can drink your creation.
Which do you do more often: hum or whistle? What’s your tune of choice?
I like to whistle the theme from “The Godfather.”
If you were given a racehorse, what would you name it?
“Tom’s Folly.”
What’s your favorite day of the year?
I really love Thanksgiving. Its secular nature lets everyone be included, and I love how it’s designed to bring people together around a table. I like a full table.
If you could do any job in the world for one day, what would it be?
Center fielder for the San Francisco Giants.
