By Elizabeth LaFond Coppez, ’03, M’07
What do you get when you mix equal parts California sunshine and Westfield State alumni?
According to Craig Johns ’91, owner of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California, you get a constant flow of fantastic memories.
“Westfield students, alumni, faculty, and staff are different and unique,” says Johns. “There is something very cool that happens when we meet anywhere in the world. The connection and camaraderie start immediately, and then stories start to flow.”
Last year, over 50 alumni gathered at Johns’ winery, including University President Ramon S. Torrecilha; Chair of the Board of Trustees Kevin Queenin ’70; Vice President of Institutional Advancement Erica Broman; and Director of Alumni Relations Kathi Bradford. The event allowed Westfield State alumni to reconnect. Because it was so successful, a second event is planned for October 20. All are welcome to register at westfieldalumni.org/winery.
This year’s event includes private tours of the inner workings of the vineyard and winery, plus a reception featuring many wines made on-site. Wilson Creek’s gold-medal-winning specialty is Almond Sparkling Wine. “Our event this year will be bigger and better,” says Johns. “We sip wine and nibble yummy gourmet foods. We have a grape stomp and mostly get caught up in sharing old stories and creating new ones.”
Johns grew up in Foxborough and earned a bachelor’s in business administration and marketing. He made many lifelong friends at Westfield State and loved learning from his professors, who shared a lot of real-world knowledge.
One of his most memorable experiences was starting a small snow removal business while living in Westfield. “At the time, a new snow removal regulation went into effect, and residents were required to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. A $25 fine went to those who didn’t comply,” he says. Johns purchased some commercial snow blowers and hired some classmates. “We were eventually clearing sidewalks and collecting money down Western Avenue. It was a fun and interactive way to begin my life as an entrepreneur.”
Johns worked in the golf business as a PGA golf-teaching professional and traveled around the country. He met his wife, Libby, in Southern California. In 1995, Johns and his wife’s family purchased land, and they opened their family business in 2001. “It’s been a work in progress and has been an incredible opportunity for our family to work and play together,” Johns says. “We currently have 92 acres and 250 employees and distribute our famous Almond Sparkling Wine nationwide.”
Bradford says Johns is passionate about wine and equally passionate about bringing Westfield State alumni together to reconnect and make new friends. “Bringing our East and West Coast alumni together at Wilson Creek kicked off our foundation for future events and activities in the Southern California area,” she says. “Alumni came together with family and friends to enjoy the winery and meet other Owls living on the West Coast.”
