A Man and His Mountain: The Everyman Who Created Kendall-Jackson and Became America's Greatest Wine Entrepreneur
by: Edward Humes
Jess Jackson dreams big in California’s rugged wine country, launching Kendall–Jackson from just a handful of mountain acres. Though driven by fierce ambition and a belief that fine wine can reach every American table, Jess’s world tilts when a catastrophe threatens everything he’s built.
Suddenly, it’s not just about making wine—it’s about taking risks, outsmarting rivals, and transforming failure into legendary innovation. As he confronts skepticism from industry veterans and battles to protect his vision, Jess’s ultimate gamble becomes clear: can his passion and relentless drive reshape the American palate, or will his empire, and family legacy, crumble?
"Greatness is harvested by those who dare to plant hope in uncertain soil and tend it with relentless resolve."
Let's Break This Down
The Author's Voice
Atmosphere
- Inviting and down-to-earth, Humes crafts a vibe that feels both ambitious and approachable
- The setting pulses with the energy of California’s wine country, vibrant yet tinged with the grind of entrepreneurship
- Inspirational undercurrent—this isn’t just about making wine; it’s about bold dreams, stubborn grit, and the unpredictable journey of reinvention
- Occasional melancholic notes highlight the toll of ambition, adding emotional depth
Prose Style
- Straightforward and journalistic, yet peppered with lively anecdotes and just enough flair to keep you turning the pages
- Heavy on character-driven storytelling, grounding business concepts in vivid personal moments
- Accessible language—you don’t need to know wine to get hooked
- Relies on well-paced dialogue and scene-setting narration to build intimacy with both the protagonist and the world he creates
- Sometimes the writing leans into cliché, but it rarely feels heavy-handed or artificial
Pacing
- Brisk and nimble, propelling you quickly through the highs and lows of Jackson’s life
- Balances swift personal history with careful industry context—never lingers so long in one spot that it gets sluggish
- Occasional deep-dives into business details can briefly slow the narrative, though these are usually grounded by compelling stakes
- Short chapters and frequent breaks make it addictive, ideal for readers who savor nonfiction that reads like a novel
Mood & Feel
- Motivational and relatable, with the warm buzz of risk-taking and reward
- Spurs a sense of curiosity, not just about wine but about what it takes to defy your limits
- Even in setbacks, there’s a fundamental optimism—it’s hard not to root for the everyman at the book’s heart
- Offers a nice mix of humor and humility, never veering into stuffy business-book territory
Overall Expectations
- Expect engaging storytelling over dry fact-dumps, colorful snapshots of an industry outsider shaking up norms
- Great for fans of character-driven nonfiction, entrepreneurship sagas, or anyone hungry for a story about taking big swings and owning both the wins and losses
- Not the book for dense, academic analysis—Humes is here to entertain and inform, with a distinctly human touch throughout
Key Moments
-
"Jess Jackson's wild bet on Chardonnay that rewrote America's wine story"
-
"Boardroom brawls and vineyard gambles—risking everything for a label nobody wanted"
-
"Page-turning origin story: from legal wrangling to grape-stained boots"
-
"A flawed, relentless dreamer battling snooty Napa tradition and personal heartbreak"
-
"Behind-the-scenes look at wine empire building—family dramas, lawsuits, and surprises uncorked"
-
"Vivid portraits of California's backcountry, equal parts promise and peril"
-
"An underdog tale fizzing with ambition, obsession, and the sweet taste of revolution"
Plot Summary
Edward Humes’s A Man and His Mountain follows the remarkable journey of Jess Jackson, the founder of Kendall-Jackson wines. Starting as a young lawyer with little background in viticulture, Jess stakes almost everything he has on a rundown California vineyard, facing adversity and near-financial ruin during the early years. Through innovative marketing and his refusal to follow industry norms, Jackson creates the immensely popular Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, igniting a revolution in American wine culture. As the business grows, Jackson navigates family challenges and increasingly ruthless rivalries, fighting to keep his company both profitable and principled. The story climaxes with Kendall-Jackson establishing itself as a California wine powerhouse, and Jess solidifying his legacy before his eventual passing, leaving a thriving empire and a reshaped industry behind.
Character Analysis
Jess Jackson stands out as a driven, complex figure—ambitious yet stubborn, visionary but deeply human. Humes traces his evolution from a hardworking lawyer with humble roots to a savvy entrepreneur willing to gamble everything for a dream. Jackson’s motivations stem as much from pride and the desire to prove himself as from a genuine passion for wine and innovation. Supporting characters, like his family and business associates, often clash with his relentless drive, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings in his leadership style as he transforms from outsider to industry giant.
Major Themes
The book dives deeply into the American Dream, exploring how ingenuity, risk-taking, and relentless perseverance can overturn established hierarchies—Jess’s ascent being the textbook case. Individualism vs. Tradition is another key theme: Jackson constantly battles “old boys’ club” mentalities, pushing against entrenched norms to forge his own path, illustrated by his creation of sweeter, consumer-friendly wines. The narrative also examines family and legacy—Jackson’s professional ambitions often collide with personal relationships, forcing him to confront what matters most as success brings unintended consequences. Finally, the ethics of entrepreneurship loom large, as the story wrestles with the motivations, costs, and responsibilities involved in building a business empire.
Literary Techniques & Style
Edward Humes writes in a brisk, journalistic style, balancing in-depth biographical storytelling with lively, anecdotal pacing that keeps the narrative engaging. The structure is largely chronological, peppered with flashbacks that deepen our understanding of Jess’s formative years and motivations. Humes uses vivid imagery—lush descriptions of Sonoma vineyards, high-stakes boardrooms—to immerse readers in both the physical and emotional landscape of Jackson’s journey. Symbolically, wine itself serves as a metaphor throughout the book: it’s not just a commodity but a representation of hope, risk, transformation, and the collision between passion and commerce.
Historical/Cultural Context
Set primarily in late 20th-century California, the story unfolds amidst the rise of American wine culture—a time when European brands dominated and domestic vintners were often dismissed. The collapse of prior industry titans and the emergence of boutique labels reflect broader economic and cultural shifts, including changing tastes and the democratization of luxury products. The social currents of the era—rampant entrepreneurship, evolving family structures, and class mobility—deeply influence both Jess Jackson’s personal trajectory and the narrative’s arc.
Critical Significance & Impact
A Man and His Mountain is often praised for making business biography as riveting as fiction, giving readers a front-row seat to the highs and lows of a distinctly American success story. Humes’s honest, detailed portrait of Jess Jackson sheds light on the human cost of ambition and innovation, making the book more than just a business chronicle. Its exploration of the wine industry’s transformation continues to resonate with anyone interested in entrepreneurship, family, or the reinvention of American taste, securing its place as a go-to resource for both students and wine enthusiasts.
From humble roots to enchanted vines—where ambition ferments into destiny
What Readers Are Saying
Right for You If
If you’re even remotely into stories about self-made entrepreneurs, quirky visionaries, or have a soft spot for wine, you’re going to have a blast with A Man and His Mountain. This book totally speaks to:
- Fans of business memoirs — If you love books like Shoe Dog or Steve Jobs, this one gives you that same behind-the-curtain, “how did they do it?” vibe, but with a vineyard twist.
- Wine lovers and foodies — There are some juicy (pun intended) glimpses into vineyard life, wine culture, and what it actually takes to make a wine empire from scratch. If the idea of reading about grape harvests and California terroir gets you excited, this will hit the spot.
- People who dig underdog stories — Jess Jackson doesn’t exactly have it handed to him, and watching someone hustle their way up is always rewarding.
- Readers after inspiration — Got entrepreneurial dreams? This story will give you that, “if he can do it, maybe I can too,” feeling.
On the flip side, you might want to skip this one if:
- You can’t stand business details or inside-baseball industry talk. There are passages about financial risk, contracts, and wine distribution that pop up, so if that sounds snooze-worthy, it might drag a bit.
- You’re chasing fast-paced thrillers or heavy drama — this is more of a steady, character-driven journey than a rollercoaster ride.
- Not into biographies or true stories? This isn’t fiction—so if you prefer plots that are made up and super high stakes, this probably isn’t your jam.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about what it takes to build a business (or just love wine stories), this one’s a treat. But if business backstories or slow-burn biographies aren’t your thing, you might want to reach for something else.
What You're Getting Into
Ready for an inspiring ride? A Man and His Mountain by Edward Humes takes you deep into the world of Jess Jackson—an ordinary guy with an extraordinary dream to change American wine forever.
Against a backdrop of California vineyards and corporate intrigue, Jackson battles industry skeptics, financial risks, and his own doubts to transform Kendall-Jackson into a household name.
This biography overflows with ambition, grit, and the intoxicating highs (and lows) of entrepreneurship—perfect for anyone who loves big dreams, bold personalities, and a behind-the-scenes look at how legends are made.
Characters You'll Meet
-
Jess Stonestreet Jackson: The passionate and persistent founder of Kendall-Jackson, whose bold vision and tenacity transformed him from a lawyer into an influential wine entrepreneur. His relentless drive and willingness to challenge conventions form the heart of the narrative.
-
Barbara Banke: Jess Jackson’s wife and steadfast business partner, who provides crucial support and sharp business acumen. She stands out for her ability to balance family, law, and winery operations as the business grows.
-
Rick Tigner: An important executive at Kendall-Jackson who helps guide the company through major industry shifts. His loyalty and expertise play a key role in the company’s expansion and operational success.
-
Don Hartford: Jackson’s trusted confidant and later CEO of Hartford Family Winery, his steady leadership and innovative thinking contribute significantly to the brand’s development and enduring legacy.
-
Laura Jackson: Jess’s daughter, who becomes increasingly involved in the family business, rising as a next-generation leader. Her evolving role highlights the family dynamics at play in the company’s ongoing story.
More Like This
If the tenacity and behind-the-scenes drama of Shoe Dog by Phil Knight drew you in, A Man and His Mountain offers a similarly compelling portrait of entrepreneurial grit—only this time, the intoxicating world of wine takes center stage instead of sneakers. Both stories pull back the curtain on industries we think we know and reveal the passion, setbacks, and triumphs that fuel legendary brands.
Fans of memoirs like Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson will find a lot to savor here, too. Jess Jackson’s story echoes the drive, vision, and sometimes stubborn force of personality that made Apple’s founder so magnetic. Where Steve Jobs explores innovation through technology, Humes traces it through vineyards, risk-taking, and relentless reinvention, with an equally fascinating protagonist steering the ship.
On the big screen, the deeply personal journey of becoming an industry giant in A Man and His Mountain brings to mind The Founder—the Michael Keaton-led biopic of Ray Kroc and the rise of McDonald's. Both tales dissect the making of American icons, with all the flavor of ambition, controversy, and reinvention that such transformations demand. Watching how these individuals reshape entire landscapes—be it fast food or fine wine—is both exhilarating and sobering, and Humes’ narrative invites you right into the thick of it.
Critic's Corner
What drives someone to transform a catastrophe into an empire, to confront an entrenched industry with nothing but nerve and wit, or to reinvent ambition with every new venture? A Man and His Mountain digs deep into that core American mythos—the relentless pursuit of reinvention—through the larger-than-life figure of Jess Jackson. The book brims with the energy of a character who doesn’t just beat the odds; he reshapes the game itself, making us consider what it really means to gamble, to lose, and to force victory from the ashes.
Edward Humes’ storytelling crackles with journalistic clarity and a novelist’s touch for drama. Crisp, propulsive prose anchors the narrative, keeping the pages turning even as the book moves through decades of business intrigue and personal transformation. Humes weaves together economic history, lush description of vineyard landscapes, and the psychological complexity of Jess Jackson’s ambitions with deft shifts in tempo. The dialogue feels authentic yet never veers into melodrama, and Humes shows great restraint, allowing events—and Jackson’s idiosyncrasies—to drive the momentum. Where the writing shines brightest is in its ability to balance rich detail (the tactile immediacy of soil and grapes, the high-stakes atmosphere of the racetrack) with big-picture context—Humes keeps each chapter focused, never letting facts crowd out feeling. However, occasionally the momentum dips: secondary figures blur, and some technical explanations around the wine industry feel dense, threatening to bog down readers less invested in viticulture minutiae.
At its heart, this biography is a meditation on the audacity of reinvention. Humes doesn’t simply chart Jackson’s victories; he explores the fragility and volatility lying beneath every moment of triumph. Themes of risk, resilience, and the insatiable American appetite for disruption are everywhere. There’s a particularly timely resonance in how the book explores the dark and bright sides of perseverance—questioning whether relentless self-belief is genius or folly (or, more often, both at once). Jackson emerges as both a visionary and a disruptor, whose fierce ethical code at times put him at odds with the industries he conquered. Humes probes the cost of success, not just in personal relationships but in the collateral damage created by innovation. The sections on Jackson’s crusade against horseracing corruption offer pointed commentary on institutional decay and individual agency—a mirror for our own era’s struggles against entrenched power.
Within the canon of business biographies and American entrepreneurial narratives, A Man and His Mountain stands out for marrying the romance of California’s wine country with the bracing reality of upstart capitalism. Humes’ approach is less hagiographic than others in this genre; he acknowledges Jackson’s contradictions and flaws, inviting readers to wrestle with them, rather than smoothing the rough edges. The book bridges Ron Chernow’s robust historic sweep with the lean, personal urgency of memoir-driven business stories, creating an uncommon hybrid that both informs and entertains.
The book’s strength lies in its vibrant evocation of character and place, and in Humes’ nuanced mapping of a genuinely complicated legacy. It occasionally stumbles under the weight of detail and a slightly repetitive structure, but it’s a compelling, timely read that makes the American dream feel both mythic and tangible—and asks the cost of chasing it.
Community Thoughts
started reading just to pass time, suddenly i'm deep-diving vineyard economics at 2 a.m. and googling Jess Jackson's shoes. blame edward humes for my new fixation on wine moguls. this book upended my week in the weirdest way.
I never thought a story about wine could keep me up at 2 a.m. but Jess Jackson’s wild ride had me glued. That bit where he risked it all? I kept thinking about it during breakfast. Who knew grapes could be this stressful?
I CANNOT BELIEVE Jess Jackson actually just decided to buy a vineyard with zero experience. That wild leap? My brain is still spinning. This man’s boldness had me questioning literally all my life choices.
the first time Jess Jackson storms through a vineyard like he owns the sun, i was hooked. one scene, dirt under his nails, made me stare at my own hands for an hour. this book’s energy is wild and weirdly contagious.
at first i thought this book was going to be some fancy wine snobbery but then BAM, that moment Jess Jackson decides to risk it all for his vineyard? Wild. I stayed up way too late flipping pages, seriously messed with my sleep!
Leave Your Review
Local Take
Why It Matters
A Man and His Mountain resonates with American readers on multiple levels thanks to its embrace of the self-made success story—a narrative deeply woven into the country's cultural fabric. The tale of Jess Jackson defying odds to build Kendall-Jackson parallels iconic American tales of entrepreneurship, such as Silicon Valley's rise or even the earlier Gold Rush era. There’s a palpable sense of optimism and grit that will feel immediately familiar to anyone steeped in the ethos of the American Dream.
-
Themes like persistence, reinvention, and forging a personal path mirror key American values, aligning with the nation’s celebration of individualism and ambition. Readers might particularly connect with how Jackson challenged old-guard wine industry norms, echoing historic American movements that deconstruct tradition in favor of innovation.
-
However, some plot points—like the battle between big business and family, or Jackson’s disregard for stodgy European wine traditions—might be seen as almost too familiar in a culture that sometimes romanticizes disruption without always addressing the social costs, inviting both admiration and critique.
-
Stylistically, the brisk storytelling and focus on real-world challenges echo the American nonfiction tradition (think: Michael Lewis or Walter Isaacson), making the book feel right at home for local literary tastes. Ultimately, it’s the fusion of personal hustle and big-picture impact that makes this biography pop for U.S. readers.
Food for Thought
Notable Achievement / Cultural Impact
Edward Humes's A Man and His Mountain shines as a standout biography in the world of business and wine. The book has been celebrated for bringing the gripping behind-the-scenes story of Jess Jackson, founder of Kendall-Jackson, to mainstream readers, inspiring countless aspiring entrepreneurs and wine lovers alike.
- Widely praised for its engaging storytelling and detailed look at the American wine industry's rise, this book not only entertains but also deepens appreciation for the art, risks, and triumphs behind every bottle. Talk about pouring a great story!
Like what you see? Share it with other readers
