Thirty-eight years later, he’s president/CEO of Duckhorn Wine Company and winning accolades as Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Wine Executive of the Year.

Ryan accepted the award during a Jan. 28 black-tie gala in Miami Beach, Florida. The other local honoree was Stag's Leap Wine Cellars founder Warren Winiarski, who was named American Wine Legend.

Last week Ryan met with the Star to share his thoughts on running a successful winery at a time when the local industry is being rocked by changing distribution models, political controversy, and the acquisition of family-owned wineries – including Duckhorn – by beverage conglomerates and private equity firms.