Born into a legendary winemaking family in Catalonia, Spain, Marimar Torres has always had a passion for wine and the rich Spanish culture that it is steeped in. As a woman, she recalls having to “fight her way” to attend college in Barcelona, where she studied business. Then, in 1967, her father invited her on a trip to the U.S. to promote the Torres brand. She later moved to San Francisco and became ambassador for the Familia Torres wines. As she explored the beauty of California Wine Country, she longed to have a vineyard of her own. Today, Marimar Torres is founder and CEO of Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery in Sebastopol, where she’s celebrating her 40th harvest season this autumn. Her daughter, Cristina, directs sales and marketing, sharing their passion for Spanish wine culture with their guests. Torres lives on the estate. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis and visiting her other two homes—one in Sausalito and the other in Sitges, Spain.
Do you have any special harvest traditions?
One that I started quite a few years ago is to take breakfast to the vineyard crew at sunrise, between 6 to 6:30 a.m.—coffee (caf and decaf), juice, lots of fruits, almonds, several kinds of cookies and Gatorades for the morning. And then, a beer at the end of the workday!
What’s it like being a woman in a male-dominated industry?
Well, I’ve always said that when you’re a woman, if you’re good it’s better—and if you’re bad you’re worse. It’s always helped me, frankly.
Of your three houses, which room is your favorite and why?
The patio of my home above the vineyard. That’s where I have lunch and dinner parties for our Club Marimar members, dinner with friends and even a glass of wine.
What is your favorite thing to cook?
Paella because it’s so much fun to see how people love it and think it’s unique. And I have quite a few recipes, so I can always offer one they haven’t had.
How would you describe the perfect day off?
Reading a bit and exercising in the morning, then playing some tennis with friends at my home court and having dinner together.
How long have you been playing tennis, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Well, I started at 18 because my parents made me join a posh club so I would make friends there. I didn’t enjoy it at all. Then when I came to live here in 1975, I played with my husband and friends a lot, and later on with a group from a good friend who organized tennis-and-foodie trips. I even won some trophies! But then I broke my wrist (4 times!) and I had a major surgery that didn’t allow me to play until five or six years ago. What I like most about it is the challenge—I am not very good, but I always think I can win, and when I do, it’s such a thrill!
When you travel, do you pack too much or too little?
I’m a terrible packer. I always get too much stuff.
What languages do you speak?
Besides English and Castilian Spanish, I speak Catalan, French, Italian and German.
What do you and Cristina enjoy doing together?
Skiing, traveling, having dinner at a good restaurant or at home, a good conversation—just about everything that we do together.
