Cynthia Lohr, Co-owner, Chief Brand Officer, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (San Francisco, USA)

Years in the industry: 

21+ years actively engaged in the wine industry, initially with J. Lohr as tasting room host and lab assistant immediately after college, before returning twelve years later with significant outside experience under my belt. I’m a verified boomerang! I sought to release myself from my self-imposed limitations associated with nepotism, and in doing so, found what I was made of. I dabbled in primary school and secondary school education, college counseling and insurance claims adjusting before I found my foothold in PR and marketing for the arts and non-profits.

Fortified with a nascent ability to influence, I immersed myself in technology in Silicon Valley first as a business development director and later as a strategic account lead representing clients including Yahoo!, Alexa Internet (acquired by Amazon.com in 1999), and other heady start-ups. I loved delving into business plans, aligning marketing initiatives with brand-building goals and charting all metrics back to bottom-line impact. I returned to J. Lohr in 2002 after a VP stint at global tech PR agency AlexanderOgilvy PR. I’ve enjoyed an unusual career path and wouldn’t change it for the world.

My Biggest Challenge to Wellness:

Giving myself permission to create time devoted to holistic wellness. A lust for life means I want to do it all, and at times, I have, raising a family, serving my communities through board and volunteer service, enjoying an active social and creative life. But like Regine Rousseau, I am a perfectionist and I say yes to nearly everything, so I constantly enjoy a full plate, and my work ethic is intense.

In my roles and responsibilities as a steward of our family business there are many exciting facets, so I focus on where I add the most value and impact. With the pandemic, I’ve cut down my usual 15 hours per week commuting across the nation and along California’s Central Coast where our wineries and vineyards are located. In doing so, I have been able to channel my energy into some major projects without distraction, which has been fulfilling and necessary.

How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:

I’m blessed to live in a national park as a result of my early days with Alexa Internet, so the chance to step outside and walk, run, skip, bike, hike or cavort with neighbors is footsteps away on most days. I love mindful walks to clear my head and drink in nature’s healing. I am also blessed to have the love of family and loyal friends who keep me sane and inspired.

I have several practices that nurture mind, body and spirit. I’m a lover of music and have sung and performed in 23 different languages. Several years ago, I needed to ‘mix it up,’ so joined a rock band through a local music school. Stepping outside my comfort zone to be lead vocalist in a five-person band whose genres include rock, punk, country, pop and soul has been incredibly rewarding and grounding. These bandmates are now dear friends, and remind me who I am at my core: playful, expressive, creative, and fun-loving.  

I have found that yes, I can be a seasoned business strategist and bohemian; the two are not mutually exclusive! I do give myself the gift of one night per week when I am off-the-clock for just about everybody, including my husband, typically on Friday nights. I drink red wine in bed, eat pizza, watch Dateline, and then catch up on papers the next morning. My husband laughs at me, but it works: I am a happy, productive person as a result of this indulgence.

You can connect with Cynthia on Instagram @cynthialohr @JLohrWines Facebook @CynthiaLohr @JLohrWines and Twitter @CynthiaLohr  @JLohrWines