Sam Parra, Parra Wine Company

Role:   Proprietor
Location:  Dallas, Oregon, USA

My Background:
Born and raised in St Helena, CA, third generation in the wine industry. My grandparents came through work visas during the BRACERO Program. They worked their entire careers in Napa Valley. I have been in the wine industry for 25 years rangings from marketing, distributions, hospitality, winemaking. My grandparents plus great uncles/aunts paved the way for me. I have worked in Napa & Sonoma counties, now in the Willamette Valley. I have also gained more knowledge for the food and wine industry through my travels in France, Spain and Portugal. My uncles along with business partners own Vinos Unidos, a boutique wine brand based in Napa but also producing wines from Sonoma county.

 What are the top three challenges to maintaining your well-being in your work?
1. The travel part of my wine company can be challenging sticking to a diet since we have so many great food trucks through Oregon : )
2. I also have a daytime job besides my wine company so the time management is tough to schedule in some exercise.
3. Sometimes working my daytime job then heading to work an evening pop-up event can run my immune system down

What are 3 things you do (or try to do) to maintain your well-being?
1. I only consume alcohol now when I head into the cooperative to sample my wines plus some light consumption when I open my wine bottles at Pop-up events I work. I cut back consuming alcohol at home since I am pre-diabetic
2. Meal preparations to have lunch to take to work so I stay consistent in a diet
3. Hiking Silver Falls located in Silverton plus near Newkowin, Oregon is Nestucca Bird Sanctuary near the Pacific Coast to hike as well. 

What other beverages do you drink when you're not drinking alcohol?
Dandelion tea, valerian root tea plus hibiscus tea

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am Community Relations Office for a credit union. My job duties are providing financial literacy sessions to Middle school and high school students. Creating community partnerships like being the Title Sponsor for the Salem Farmer's Market. Also sponsoring local non-profits plus attending lots of Chamber of Commerce events to network 

What are you looking forward to?
The Fourth of July getaway to Cannon Beach, OR

What's your weirdest wellness hack?
Mental health days like attending performing arts or enjoying live music

What inspires you on your journey in the beverage industry?
My grandparents and great uncles/aunts. Also consumers enjoying my hibiscus and cinnamon tea wine of TOMALO FRIO since it's inspired from the agua fresca of jamaica. Consumers love how embrace my Hispanic heritage. Knowing that I am inspiring others to embrace their culture too

What is a quote that you love?
”It’s not what you say but how you say it.”

You can connect with Sam on Instagram at @parrawineco and Facebook at Parra Wine Co