The former mayor of Santa Rosa (from 2000 to 2002), Mike Martini, partner at Taft Street Winery in Sebastopol, can’t decide if he’s a vintner who has a passion for public policy, or a policy wonk who loves to make wine. Originally from New Jersey, Martini moved to California in 1975 after attending Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. After home-brewing craft beer following his short-lived corporate career in the early 1980s, Martini decided wine was a good option in 1982, with the start of Taft Street Winery. “We started making wine in a garage in Oakland in 1979. It was for friends and family—and a hot tub was involved,” says Martini.
He and his wife, Susan, have lived in Santa Rosa since 1987 and have been married 39 years. Their son works for the winery, following in his father’s footsteps. “He’s smarter than me and works harder,” he says of his son.
An avid cycler, Martini commutes a minimum four days each week from downtown Santa Rosa to Taft Street Winery, north of Sebastopol—a distance of 10 miles each way. “This is extremely relaxing,” he says. “It allows me time to think and consider resolutions to whatever issues are pressing at the time, as well as eat and drink to the level I love without gaining 100 pounds.”
Whether it’s wine or politics, Martini has the necessary skills for the job. “It often seems that my skill set is talking and drinking. Is there any better preparation for either running politics or running a winery?”
How would your country change if everyone, regardless of age, could vote?
I’m not sure that it would change at all. The number of people voting would change slightly, but younger people are usually too distracted. This isn’t a knock against them or their habits, but more a reality of priorities. Retired people vote, activists vote and we all vote if it has a direct impact on us.
What’s your preference: cruise ship, powerboat, sailboat, rowboat, kayak or inner tube?
It’s a toss-up between sailboat and an inner tube.
What was your favorite costume as a kid when you went trick-or-treating?
My mom dressed me from the Book of Saints. One year, I went as Michael the Archangel, complete with sword and wings. Most people didn’t get it, but I still got the candy.
What’s your favorite bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan?
I saw this one in Key West—“We are all here because we are not there.”
What’s your favorite wine?
Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River Valley. I heard that Taft Street makes a good one.
What do you consider your best quality?
An ongoing curiosity in how we function as a community. We’re an incredible species capable of so much good, and yet we have a capacity for doing so much that is destructive. The Jesuit training that I received at Georgetown taught me to always look at the issue from the perspective of the other guy. I believe there are places we can land that respect an individuals interest while moving the community forward in a positive direction.
What was the greatest day of your life?
The day my son was born.
Which living person do you admire the most and why?
My wife, Susan. She tolerates me.
What three words describe your college experience?
Fun, fun and fun. Would do it again, if I could.
Where would your dream vacation be?
Sonoma County, California. I travel for business and some pleasure and the vacation always starts when I get home.
What’s the last concert you attended? Who did you go with?
Jamie Lin Wilson at Taft Street Winery. I went with about 75 of my closest friends. It was great.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I’ve been so fortunate to work with incredible people both in the multi-generational agriculture community in Sonoma County and to have served as an elected official. My wife and I have been blessed with a son who has chosen to join me in the business.
