Billy (Wm) Walters

Billy was born William Henry Walters to Henry and Sylvia Walters in 1977, named after his Uncle Bill and his dad. When Billy was five years old, his parents purchased a large vineyard in Surrey, England that they named Walters Wine Estate. After five years of nurturing this neglected vineyard, the Walters brought it back to its outstanding reputation as one that produced delicious sparkling wines. Billy's early life was all about responsibility and keeping his parents' dream alive. He spent his days exploring the vineyards, soaking up lessons from his Uncle Bill and falling in love with winemaking. He learned to appreciate the land and really cared about making great wines.

In the summer of 1986, Henry and Sylvia took a trip across the “pond” to Napa Valley, CA to purchase another potentially profitable vineyard. They left it in the hands of Sylvia's sister and brother-in-law to develop it into the estate like the one in Surrey. Just before Billy's 10th birthday they were coming home from Heathrow Airport when there was a freak accident on a winding road to their UK vineyard. Billy was instantly orphaned, and his Uncle Bill raised him as his own son. After three years, his uncle sold the UK wine estate and brought Billy to live with him in Napa Valley, CA at his parents’ new winery. Moving from the charming English countryside to the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley, he hung onto values like hard work, humility, and family.

From 1984 to 1990, Billy was educated in one of the finest schools in England, Cranleigh Preparatory School. Going to one of England's top schools gave Billy a love for learning and some solid discipline. Despite everything he went through, he worked hard in school, knowing it was what his parents would have wanted. Uncle Bill saw the wisdom in keeping him there after his parent’ death, to be around familiar friends, teachers, and surroundings. When he graduated at 13 years old, Uncle Bill took him to America to Napa Valley where his aunt and uncle managed Walters Vineyard. 

Billy's dedication to his family's vineyard was the heart of his young adult life. He and his aunt and uncles worked non-stop to turn the Napa vineyard into a top-notch winery. His careful attention to detail and fresh ideas in winemaking earned him respect from the local community and wine lovers everywhere. Billy started high school there, gaining his American citizenship along with his uncle in 1992. He was a hard-working vintner, balancing his time between school activities, working in the vines with all the employees, running in the fields with his dogs, and enjoying family life with his aunt and uncles. 

High school graduation day came suddenly, and Billy spent the summer with his Uncle Bill at his summer home in Bozeman, MT.  That's where he met and fell instantly in love with Josette Wengart at the Big Sky County State Fair, followed by a family gathering at the home of long-time family friends in Montana. After a loving courtship, they discussed the best way to plan their future together. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1995, finished his tour in 1999, and Josie graduated with her degree in library science. He and Josie married and honeymooned that summer in the cottage on their grandfather Dennis's farm. In the fall, they moved back to Walters Vineyard in Napa Valley and started their new life together.