John Tankersley grew up among the vineyards and orchards of Alexander Valley. At the age of six the native San Franciscan moved to Geyserville with his family. They moved into a small house just south of where the Trione Winery is located and John’s father supported the family by splitting redwood into fence posts and grape stakes.
In 1967, John graduated from Geyserville High School, married his school friend Patsy Gilmore, and was drafted into the Army. After his three-year tour of duty, including a year in Vietnam, John returned to Sonoma County. In 1972, he was hired by Martin Frost, who was the vineyard manager for the Trione family vineyards.
It was a time of expansion for Trione Vineyards. From approximately 150 acres on two ranches, the family then acquired the River Road Ranch in the Russian River appellation. Formerly known as the “Ogle” Ranch, the Russian River property included a ranch house. John and Patsy moved into the ranch house that winter, and spent the next 30 years raising their two daughters, Jenna and Julie, and growing grapes. John credits his winegrowing success to Patsy’s help and support.
John Tankersley has seen much change in the industry over the years. He has proven himself capable of running the Trione Vineyards operation, managing the growth of the vineyard operation to well over 700 acres in Sonoma County.
As the quality of grapes demanded by wineries increased, John’s job changed from grape grower to winegrower. Over the years, he has managed many grape replanting projects. Never one to hold on to convention, John has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of grapes for Trione Vineyards.
John is passionate about the Trione vines, and explains his personal winegrowing philosophy: “The grape grower’s best tool is to walk the vineyard.”
“I go out everyday to make the best grapes possible,” says John. “At harvest time, the grapes tell me that I’ve done my job.”
John is an avid hunter and fisherman and now lives in Cloverdale with his wife Patsy.
