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The Proust Q&A: Marimar Torres
Barcelona-born Marimar Torres is a fourth generation of the Torres winemaking dynasty. She runs Marimar Estate in Sonoma, which specialises in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Torres has a 23-year-old daughter, Cristina, and lives in Sonoma County with her beloved spaniels Chico and Bonita.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
More than in perfect happiness, I believe in moments of happiness, and it’s up to us to make them happen. Most of all, I believe in striving for challenges and achieving them; the satisfaction of the achievement brings me the greatest happiness.
What is your greatest fear?
Leaving the next generation a world where inequality is the norm and global warming is a huge threat. I fear that we may not be able to continue to build this great nation – the United States – that has provided me with so much happiness, due to politics or business interests or wars.
Who do you most admire?
All those who have contributed to make our nation and our world a better place to live, like President Obama, Bill Gates, and my friend Linda Mornell who started Summer Search, a foundation that helps struggling kids.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Helicopter-skiing with my daughter Cristina at Mike Wiegele, a resort in Blue River, British Columbia, between the Monashees and the Cariboos.
What is your current state of mind?
Extremely optimistic. I’m writing this on a plane to Singapore where I’ll meet my daughter and explore the city with her.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
A sense of humour, which comes with not taking yourself too seriously.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
You make the path by walking; luck is on the side of those who work for it.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My daughter, my brothers, my family, and my vineyards.
When and where were you happiest?
When Cristina was born. I am seldom unhappy – I have a life and a job that I love, I like to work hard, I relish challenges, and when I haven’t succeed, I’ve learnt important lessons.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be able to be in two places at the same time, although that’s more of a super power than a talent.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d like to be less demanding on myself and others. My expectations are sometimes too high.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Writing my cookbook, The Spanish Table, a compendium of food and wine from all over Spain, which came out in 1986. It was a labour of love. I devoted two years to it, and learned so much about my own country in the process, travelling around each region to research the gastronomy and wines unique to each.
Where would you most like to live?
Right where I am at my home above the Don Miguel Vineyard in California’s Russian River Valley.
What is your most treasured possession?
My winery and my vineyards, which are certified organic and biodynamic.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Enthusiasm and perseverance.
Who are your favorite writers?
F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen and J.K. Rowling.
Who is your hero of fiction?
James Bond. I just saw Skyfall and it’s a kick. I have great memories of the Sean Connery days – he loved good wine!
What is it that you most dislike?
Wasting time and giving up.
What is your greatest regret?
Not to have pursued an MBA at the most prestigious university in Barcelona. I was 28 and had been accepted, but I decided to marry an American and move to California instead.
What is your motto?
You can do just about anything you set your mind to.
Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what wines would you serve them?
From history I’d invite Thomas Jefferson, Marie Curie and Casanova, and from today, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack and Michelle Obama, and King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain. I’d serve them my 2010 Acero unoaked Chardonnay, then 2008 Mas Cavalls Pinot Noir from my Sonoma Coast vineyard, ending with the 2005 Cristina Pinot Noir from Magnum. I had one last Saturday and it was magnificent.