I met Mr. Rudd in St. Barts in 2017 while dining at Villa Maria. I had no idea how renowned he was, nor did he display any arrogance regarding what he had achieved. Mr. Rudd engaged me and those around in an invigorating conversation about food and wine. His knowledge and passion was unstoppable. He regaled us with stories about his life in the Napa Valley. In return, I chose to tell him that I had been in the Napa Valley in the early sixties and clearly made a mistake in not realizing its' ultimate potential. His response was classic: never be afraid to venture beyond your fears. As we were departing the island, we fortuitously ran into Mr. Rudd once more. Graciously and not knowing we were departing, he invited us to a wine dinner he was hosting for a number of vintners flying in from the Napa Valley. His generosity was heart-felt and genuine. Knowing Mr. Rudd in such chance encounters demonstrated  that he was "the real deal," authentic, generous, passionate, smart, and most of all, a "down-to-earth" and caring gentleman. It was an experience that I will always cherish.  Thank you Mr. Rudd.

I was very saddened to hear of Leslie’s passing earlier this month. I had a chance to speak with him a couple of times in his last week and get in a “We love you” from my wife and I to him, but the call I received on the day he passed brought me to tears. I was one of the six wine friends that gathered on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Paris in January 2004 at L’Amis Louis…and it was the day I first met Leslie. We sat next to one another, shared an amazing meal matched with Champagnes, and Northern and Southern Rhones, and struck up a nice and wide ranging conversation which by the end of the meal turned into a friendship that I’ll call the Leslie Rudd vortex. As others have written, he was smarter than most of us, cared about us, found something interesting and worthwhile in all of us, and he cultivated mutual friendships where we all became just a little better at something. For me, as just a friend observing his exemplary life, I certainly learned how to be a better man, a more caring husband, father, friend, citizen…and also how to enjoy a life well lived. He introduced to me to his family, and many of his friends and business associates, and it became clear that he surrounded himself with people of the utmost integrity. He was a true gentleman, borne of America’s heartland, charitable, possessing a tremendous work ethic and vision, and he became one of this country’s great entrepreneurs. I admired him as much as I’ve admired anyone I’ve known. How lucky we all are to have known him. My heart goes out to Susie and Sam.

It is hard to find the words to describe Leslie and what an positive impact he made on my life. One of the world's genuine gentlemen, he was as warm and kind hearted as he was astute and intuitive. Whether meeting with Leslie for business or dinner, he was inspiring and yet also allowed himself to be inspired. You could learn a lot by just being in his presence and I hope some of his good grace has found its way into my character. You do not have to see someone every day to know that you will miss them, and it will take some time for me  to get over the fact that I know he is no longer here. It was both an honour and a privilege to have been able to know Leslie and my world became a better place because of him.

I met Leslie at Aspen Sports Medicine when his trainer asked me to work with him.  I remember going to his house that he had rented in in the west end and also to the ranch he purchased in Woody Creek.  I loved going to see him.  I was in my mid 30's, trying  to navigate my career and my future.  I was dating Dana, now my wife.  Leslie took an interest in my life, gave me some advice, but mostly just asked me questions....and listened.  I remember him talking about the importance of marriage and finding the right person.  I remember him giving me a section of the NY Times and asking if it were ok if we just sat, read, and talk before we started therapy.  When I moved to NYC in 2013, I made a point of keeping in touch with Leslie.  I sent him an email thanking him for "helping me figure out my life" and to let him know that he meant a lot to me.  I send many clients to the winery and they realize how special it is.  I heard about Leslie's passing through those clients.  They forwarded the newsletter that Samantha had sent, all of them with heartfelt sorrow for a man they had never met, but sensed how special he was and how significant his life was to so many.  One of the email message subject lines read "sorry to share this with you".  My response after thanking him for sending it to me was, "my life is richer for having known him". Bradley Borne

It was with great sadness that Rita and I learned of Les’s passing. I first met Les in the early 70’s and was able to see him accomplish much in the years that followed. I came to know many highly successful and accomplished people in my years but few matched Les in his qualities as a entrepreneur and as an individual . He appeared quiet and unassuming but very focused and strong as a person.  It was truly a marvel to see all that he accomplished in his life and still maintain himself as a gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Susie and daughter Samantha. 

Leslie had a profound impact on me both professionally and personally during the past 11+ years, and I’m a better leader (and person) for our time together.  We have challenged each other, debated, laughed, reflected on a variety of work and life topics, and gotten a few things done along the way.  This was in the midst of his many encouragements to me and others, including always to remember and practice that “done is better than perfect”.  

Leslie was an entrepreneur, visionary, mentor, deal-maker, adviser, vintner, partner, restaurateur, philanthropist, friend, dog-lover, pro football fan, husband, father, brother, and many others.  Leslie could not easily be labeled, as he was so many different things, to so many different people, that he touched in one way or another during his life journey.  








I’ve been close to the Rudd family and Leslie Rudd since childhood. My first business idea at age 15 was a valet parking business for St. Helena wine events. I didn’t even have a driver’s license, but being the great entrepreneur he was, Leslie encouraged my own entrepreneurial instincts and continued to be my mentor and business inspiration. He had an insatiable curiosity of food, wine, historical buildings and the land. Leslie was truly grounded in food and wine.   His imprint on the land and the wine business in the Napa Valley will be felt for generations.  





Leslie Rudd was the definition of an entrepreneur. Like all great entrepreneurs, he was a forward-thinker. He had uncanny instincts about the future of food and beverage in America and his influence on our industry cannot be overstated.  On a personal note, Leslie was a valued mentor, business partner and my best friend for nearly 40 years.  Leslie sold the Girard Winery brand to me in 2000 and then became my partner again in 2003.  That was the seed that grew into Vintage Wine Estates.  I will miss his counsel and the food and beverage industry will miss a true visionary leader.


Leslie and I did many deals in the cutthroat world of business. We were profitable, and Leslie was a real tiger in business. We often bought troubling companies and used the bankruptcy process to our advantage. 

Some may say that Leslie was only in it for the money, and that he harmed many others with his business tactics, but I say that Leslie was just looking out for his own interestss like we all do. When it comes to money, Leslie needed his, and maybe he stepped on some shoes to get it, but at least he wasnt dealing drugs. He was an alright fella. No too bad of a guy, really. See ya, old pal.

Les was my business partner from 1976 for a decade. 
His influence and contribution to our accomplishments were immense. 

His insightful business mind amd personality are legendary amongst his friends.

Les always pushed for greater achievement and did so in a manner that caused others to respond with enthusiasm, especially because of his unique personal manner. 

He was an ICON and will be much missed by many.  

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Leslie Gerald Rudd

15 août 1941 – 3 mai 2018

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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