GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Linsey Gallagher, President and CEO, Visit Napa Valley Favorite day trip (inside Napa Valley): Taking a bike ride on the Napa Valley Vine Trail with my husband and kids. (Both of my children learned to ride 2 wheel bikes (never had training wheels) very young, thanks to this wonderful community asset which makes biking safe and easy for all.) If we bribe them with a stop at Bouchon Bakery for a macaroon cookie and a bacon cheddar scone, they will ride all the way from our house in downtown Napa up to Yountville and back. Favorite day trip (outside Napa Valley): Our family loves to hike to the beach via Abbot’s Lagoon Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore. Most recent earworm? Thanks to my 9-year old daughter who plays DJ in the car it’s Maroon 5’s “Memories.” If I’m in control of the tuned in the car, the song that has been sticking in my head lately is “Country Again” by Thomas Rhett. What food can you not live without? Pasta Strangest hobby? Hmmm. I grew up in Norwich, Vermont, on the Connecticut River overlooking the Dartmouth College boat house (the launch point for the crew rowing teams). The summer between high school and college, I joined the community crew club and learned to row. After that, I went on to row on club crew team at the University of Vermont. What did you want to be when you grew up? A hairstylist or ballerina. Sadly, I never became any good at styling hair or dancing. Best beach read? People magazine. I’ve been a loyal subscriber since high school. What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? In my prior role with California Wine Institute where I served as VP of International Marketing, I led the California Wine Export Program that promoted California Wines in 30+ countries around the world. I spent 10 years traveling abroad extensively, flying a California flag and promoting the Golden State as a great place to grow grapes and make wine, and telling the world what makes 20 | INSIDE NAPA VALLEY
this an iconic and aspirational destination for tourists and wine drinkers around the world. I was fortunate to travel often to China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Sweden and Russia while in that role. Favorite pet? I am not a pet person (even though growing up in Vermont we had one of every pet under the sun — cow, horse, sheep, goat, cat, dog, chickens, rabbits, ducks, frogs, fish, etc.) I finally caved in this past March after the persistent urging of my children, and our family adopted a sweet and energetic 1 ½ year old German Shepherd named Luna. The kids and my husband are thrilled. Me, not so much… Last time you cried? This past weekend, leaving my childhood home in Vermont. I had gone home to pick up my kids, who were fortunate to spend a month there with my parents, roaming free in the Green Mountain State and enjoying the beautiful (and rainy!) summer. Last time you laughed until you cried? On my birthday this past June. We were having dinner at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch with my sister and my parents (I was born on their 4th wedding anniversary, so it’s a dual celebration in our family that day) who were all out here visiting from the East Coast. My mom was taking a photo of my dad with my sister and me, and she was profusely critical of his “photo face” in the pose. My sister and I ended up in hysterics as my mom continued to coach him on his pose. She’s the master of unsolicited feedback, and we affectionately refer to her as “the mom-ager.” Why visit Napa Valley? I love the intersection of wine and tourism. I grew up in Vermont, a state with more cows than people and known for its maple syrup and cheddar cheese. I enjoy “elevated” agriculture, especially when agro-tourism can contribute to a community and enhance the quality of life of its residents as well as visitors. The Napa Valley is a very special place on this earth, and I feel very fortunate to be a steward of this brand on the world stage. The pandemic has been devastating with its impact on the hospitality and tourism sector globally. But the Napa Valley is resilient and will recover and return to prosperity very soon. I am honored to help lead leading this recovery journey for our hospitality businesses here in Napa Valley. SUMMER/FALL 2021
