My story about how PARRA WINE CO came to be, in this case, is more about inspired by who? Also, my involvement with AHIVOY (Asociación Hispana de la Industria de Vinos en Oregon y comunidad) is a deep connection as well.
Mi abuelito, Manuel Martinez, is from Belen de Refugio near Teocaltiche, Jalisco. He decided at a very young age to go work in the U.S. legally. Mi abuelita, Carmen Martinez, already had her side of the family working in Napa Valley. Back then Napa Valley did have vineyards but there were also many orchards of prunes, figs and walnuts.
Mis abuelitos had 10 kids eventually: 5 women and 5 men. My grandfather worked to legally gain citizenship while working in the U.S. He would seldom travel back to Mexico. Eventually their family grew in size to what I previously mentioned, and eventually the oldest kids came to the U.S. through a work visa. Mi abuelita would stay in Mexico taking care of the other 8 children. At some point mi abuelita moved to the U.S. with the 4 middle children. My 4 aunts and uncles attended primary school through high school in the small town of St. Helena, CA. After 10 years the whole family was reunited, moving the last 4 children.
Neither of my aunts or uncles attended a 4 year college. Some attended Napa Valley College or trade schools. Mi abuelito, along with some tios/tias, worked in vineyards throughout their careers. My grandfather had multiple surgeries in his knees and hips due to the hard labor he dedicated himself to. They still live in Napa, CA. I'm the only one of the whole family of 54 living in Oregon and I love it here. I want to encourage others in my family to move to the ‘State of Dreamers’.
This is where my submission is important for my generation. I have visited the Willamette Valley before through the wine industry. Napa Valley is one of the most expensive counties in California. We work hard in that little county but very little to show on our gains. This is the main reason why I moved to Oregon: the cost of living. I've been here in the Willamette Valley for 3 and a half years now.
And, this is where my upbringing comes into the story. My grandparents always motivated and encouraged us, los nietos, to pursue higher learning, whether be a local community college, university, or trade school. My family’s generation were the first to attend a 4 year university or attend specific trade schools. We truly live in the country of opportunities, and I feel lucky to live now in Oregon, the ‘State of Dreamers’. My grandparents experienced hardships, racism, and their time apart made them stronger, which they passed these values to the whole family.
I'm involved with AHIVOY Oregon, which is a nonprofit working on our 501c3. Which we are fully committed to mentor and sponsor Latino Vineyard workers which we reference as Latino Vineyard Stewards that want to pursue higher learning through the Chemeketa Wine Studies program. As Co-Chair / Donations Coordinator for AHIVOY, I'm truly honored. If I can make a difference to a vineyard worker which wants to pursue other options in the wine business or change careers; I'm all in. I know I can make a difference on saving somebody the hardships my grandparents went through with my contribution.
I'm doing this full force for the inspiration that my grandparents are to me. Thank God they are still alive, Manuel is 95, Carmen is 90. They taught me hard work ethics, a respectful upbringing to others, to never forget where I come from (bilingual household).
I have always been involved with helping out the community. I was involved in 2018 and 2019 volunteering for Luther Community Services in McMinnville, where they help individuals gain U.S. Citizenship, along with many other family programs. I feel as the Willamette Valley continues to grow and change, and one that truly wants to make change truly can be more proactive in their community for they believe in.
My family's hardships in the past has made my family generation stronger than ever. I started PARRA WINE CO in 2019 and look to the future for my business to grow, where I plan to hire more inspired Latinos that want to get their foot in the door in the wine business. It is rare for Latinos to be owners of vineyards, wineries, or wine brands.
It's rare in Oregon, but the few that are in this business are involved with AHIVOY. We all have similar backgrounds and hardships. We are dedicated to helping nuestra gente in 2020 and beyond. Si se puede!!