Profile: Alexis Swanson Traina

I love a great glass of wine and I am partial to Napa Valley—it’s where we spent our honeymoon. During our trip to California over the Christmas holidays I had the occasion to try the magnificent House of Swanson’s Alexis Estate Red. A full-bodied wine produced from cabernet (65%) and Syrah (25%) with the balance made up of merlot and cab franc, it’s simply delicious.

Swanson Vineyards is a small, hands-on, family-owned winery. In 1969 proprietor Clark Swanson Jr. married Elizabeth Pipes and raised their three daughters, Alexis, Veronica and Claiborne in Naples, Florida. In 1985 the family moved to Napa Valley and began Swanson Vineyards. Today Clark Swanson is still very much involved in the running of the winery, as is Elizabeth—the heart and soul of Swanson Vineyards and daughter Alexis Swanson Traina the namesake of the Alexis wine.


In additional to their wonderful, award-winning wines, one unique feature that sets the Swanson vineyard apart from other California wineries is their tasting salon. Inspired by the literary and culinary salons of 18th-century Paris, the Swanson Salon gathers together individuals to sample, discuss and enjoy their wine in a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere. Rather than the typical winery experience where visitors stand, guests to the Salon are seated around a beautifully set table to enjoy Swanson wines paired with food. To keep the experience personal and intimate, tasting are limited to a maximum of eight people.

Recently I had the opportunity to catch up with the beautiful and charming Alexis Swanson Traina the creative director of Swanson Vineyards. I adore her answers to my questions.


What is your fondest wine memory?
The first time I realized red wine was NOT the body and blood of Christ.

What are your favorite varietals?
I have a very American palate and love BIG California reds. For everyday, I love merlot and for special occasions, I covet a cabernet sauvignon. I also am wildly charmed by sweet, dessert wines.

Why do you think California Merlots have received negative press in recently years?
It is all part of the cycle of life.... you watch, merlot will have its' day again soon. I am a BIG fan of merlot, especially when it is made well and correctly. In our house, it IS the house wine--perfect on a Tuesday night and perfect on a Saturday night.

What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
Cuban coffee in the morning

What is your most prized possession?
A box that houses the relics of my life: love letters, pictures, poems, buttons, ticket stubs--whatever....

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
To love and be loved in return

What books are on your bedside table?
Trashy magazines

What inspired the Swanson Vineyards Salon?
Naivete and a desire to be relevant

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
My father's father-- and if he were anything like his son, we would drive up the coast of northern California stopping at every oyster shack, coffee shop and bakery along the way.

What in your opinion is the perfect food and wine pairing?
That is a favorite topic of mine-- dreaminess for me is the naughty combination of dark chocolate and red table wine. I also love pizza and rose.

Profile by Ronda Carman