Deborah Grossman, Special to The Chronicle
Sunday, January 24, 2010

"What's on Carmen Policy's mind as he starts his day at his home and vineyard in Yountville?

He's not reminiscing about the good old days as president of the 49ers. Nor is he stressing about his consulting contract with the developer who hopes to build the new 49ers stadium at Hunters Point in San Francisco.

After a cool winter evening, he's checking on the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes destined for his Casa Piena wine.

"Maybe it's my Italian heritage, but there's nothing better than staying in tune with the seasons and watching the grapevines change throughout the year," he says. "I want to understand how all the winemaking pieces fit together,"

Producing wine might have been a nice sideline to Policy's career. But he doesn't see winegrowing as a vanity project. He is a hands-on vintner.

"I met Carmen in 2005 before his first harvest. I sensed then and see now that Carmen is involved from dirt to shelf, and isn't shy about seeking advice. Quality seems to run in Carmen's veins," says Andrew Groth, vice president of operations at Groth Vineyards and one of Policy's neighbors.

Policy's interest in Napa Valley paralleled his involvement with the 49ers in the 1980s, as he and wife Gail vacationed in Wine Country. After moving to Palo Alto in 1991, the Policys visited more frequently. "Carmen always enjoyed fine wine, and as we met more winemaking families, we realized we wanted this lifestyle, too," says Gail Policy..."

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