Bernard Portet recalled the Napa Valley wine industry of the 1970s.

“It was a time when you could make a contract on a handshake,” Portet, co-founder of Clos Du Val, said.

“What amazed me most was the enormous amount of co-operation between various people,” both growing grapes and making wine, he said.

“That’s one thing that in my view propelled the Napa Valley to the top — not only the quality of the wines but the way they went at it as a team. That really re-framed my way of thinking.”

Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?

André Tchelistcheff, British wine critic Jancis Robinson and my father, André Portet.

What job would you like to try/not like to try?

I am willing to try any job, from the bottom up. My parents used to remind me that there is no dumb job, only dumb people. Obviously, I may not have the basic skills for many of the opportunities. But I am willing to learn, even if awkward at it. I have to say that I would not volunteer to be a chef in a restaurant. Such a demanding job.

What was your first job?

My first real job was to supervise the harvest at my parent’s vineyard in the Cognac region of France. A most interesting experience as I had to fire two-thirds of the harvesting team on the second or third day for being more interested in drinking alcohol than picking the grapes.

How did you get into this business?

I was born in the house where my father was born, on a vineyard property my family has owned since the late 1600s in Cognac. I loved working in the vineyards of my father during the holidays. When he moved to work in the Medoc region of France, he taught me many things about terroirs and winemaking. I loved it and still love it.

We have four siblings. My brother still lives on that property.  I try to go once a year, but I’d like to go more often. 

Whom do you most admire in the business world?

There are plenty of people to admire, but many in Napa Valley, including Chuck Carpy, Robert Mondavi and Joe Phelps. And my parents who taught me the ethics of life.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

This recession is clearly the most difficult challenge I ever saw since I came to the U.S. in 1970. The extraordinary development of the vineyards and wines of quality in the past            30 years — all competing for shelf space at a time when many people are challenged in their spending habits by the tough economic conditions make it very difficult. But I think the growing interest for quality food and wines will see us to the end of this dark tunnel.

What’s one thing Napa could do to help local business?

Be inclusive of all people living in the area. Tourism is important, but let us not forget the locals. We need to fill the vacancies in downtown Napa.

What’s the most significant project you’ve been involved with in your career?

Chairing the 1997 Napa Valley Wine Auction. The enormous generosity and dynamism of the wineries, the volunteers, the bidders and all others involved to help the less favored people of our Napa County created an energy and a feeling of accomplishment that will be very hard to match.

What is your favorite charity?

Catholic Relief Services, Aldea Children Family Services, Doctors without Borders.

What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

Vintners Agustin Huneeus Jr. and Sr., John Shafer, and John and Janet Trefethen.

More from Bernard Portet

Recently, Portet joined Twitter. How did that come about?

“Because someone invited me,” he said with a laugh. “It’s hard for me to know how it works,” he admitted. “I still haven’t figured it out totally.”

What was your childhood ambition?

I could not think of anything better than to be running my father’s vineyards.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

Right where I am, in Napa. But better if our children and grandchildren were not spread around the world.

I can’t live without:

Good friends, with a bit of food and some nice wine to celebrate life.

What’s on your to-do list?

Sail into the sunset or south of the Golden Gate.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?

Sailing down to Mexico or even to Tahiti.

If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?

Our business has changed, as every other business, and will keep on changing. But I hope that we do not lose common sense and that we never lose sight of the value of diversity, be it of wines, lifestyle or opinions of all sorts.

What’s your favorite gift to give?

Wine and flowers.

Each Wednesday, the Napa Valley Register’s Business Focus asks “10 Questions” of a local entrepreneur or businessperson. Readers are welcome to suggest business people to be profiled. To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com