The Taste with Doug Shafer – a Podcast About Wine, Food, and Friends · Doug Shafer

Jeff Smith - Growing up in Napa Valley, a Rock-n-Roll Career, and His Winery, Hourglass

February 10, 2026·1 hr 22 min·5 clips

Jeff's father secretly dated Doug's aunt, revealing an unexpected link between their Chicago families.

Jeff Smith of Hourglass Wines shares his family's deep roots in Napa Valley, from his father's WWII service and pioneering real estate ventures to Jeff's own journey from rock guitarist to acclaimed winemaker. He reveals serendipitous moments that shaped Hourglass, including a blind tasting triumph and the devastating winery fire that led to rebuilding.

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