There are moments in everyone’s life when destiny steps in. The trick is to recognize and trust these moments, and to let them take you where you ultimately belong. Honig Vineyard & Winery President Michael Honig has been fortunate enough to ride that wave. “After growing grapes for almost 20 years, my parents, along with my aunt and uncle, decided to start making wine from our property in Napa Valley,” recalls Honig, who grew up in San Francisco but commonly visited the family’s vineyard on weekends, holidays and vacations.
“After a few vintages, the property was losing lots of money, and they were going to sell it. I left college almost 25 years ago to try and keep it in my family. And although wine didn’t start out as my passion, it is now.”
Today, in addition to running the family business, Honig sits on the Wine Institute board of directors and is part of the Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. He’s also a member of the board for the Assistance Dog Institute and the Center for Land Based Learning, which “lets me play with puppies and kids.”
Describe your favorite relative.My father has always loved me unconditionally and is a great individual.
I’ve spent my whole life avoiding having a nickname. Michael works just fine.
Have you ever seen a ghost?
I don’t recall seeing a ghost, but I’ve felt a spiritual presence.
If you could ask God any single question, what would it be?
Where do we go when we die?
If your CD player only played one song, what would it be?
“Radar Love” by Golden Earring.
What cartoon character are you most like and why?
Wile E. Coyote, because he never gives up and never stops.
What do you like most and least about living in Wine Country?
I like that it’s a very healthy place to raise a family. Sometimes, though, I get frustrated by its limitations, since the valley is so small.
What does your car look like on the inside?
That depends on the day. Sometimes, there’s so much junk on the floor you can’t see the carpet (I like sunflower seeds); other times it’s pristine.
What lesson did you have to learn the hard way?
Don’t trust that people are always good and will do the right thing.
What movie have you watched over and over again?
“It’s a Wonderful Life.”
What do you love to do outside of work?
Skiing, mountain biking and walking have always been things I’ve enjoyed. With a new family, though, they’ve become less important, and I spend lots of time with my daughter.
What was the best compliment you ever received?
I’ve been called the hardest working man in the wine business.
What’s something valuable that you accidentally broke?
I accidentally destroyed a car engine. I was driving my mom’s car and didn’t notice that the oil pressure light was on until it was too late.
What’s something you did growing up that your parents never found out about?
I need to wait a few more years to disclose this answer.
What’s your favorite birthday memory?
A surprise birthday my mother planned when I turned 10 years old. I never liked being the center of attention, but it felt good that day.
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant, and how often do you go there?
I eat at Taco Bell at least four times a month.
What’s your Stupid Human Trick?
I can roll my tongue to form a clover shape.
If you could have witnessed one event in history, what would you have wanted to see?
The debate and the ultimate signing of the U.S. Constitution.
What was your first car?
It was a 1964 Chevy that my dad let me purchase when I was 13. He got tired of me stealing his car and thought it would be better to let me have my own to drive (just on our winery property).
What’s one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?
Eating Swedish fish.
What’s one thing you know for sure?
That I’ve never loved anything as much as I love my wife and my daughter.
