Juan Moreno-Pulido

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Emma Moreno; children, Juan Moreno Jr., Catalina Flores (Alfredo), Jesus Moreno, Emma Moreno (Roberto), Lupe Oceguera (Robert), Tony Moreno (Elva) and Ricardo Moreno; grandchildren, Gabe, Elba, Freddy, Yvette, Drew, Sofia, Ozzie, Robert (Tito), Angel, Mateo, Adrian, Andres, Michaela and Oscar; mother, Catalina Pulido of Aguililla, Mexico; and brothers, Miguel Moreno of Napa and Jose Moreno of Aguililla, Michoacan Mexico. Juan was preceded in death by his father, Inocensio Moreno, and brothers, Arturo Moreno and Pedro Moreno.

Born in 1943 in Aguililla, Michoacan, Mexico, Juan came to the U.S. in 1963. He worked as a farmworker chasing the American dream and supported his widowed mother and younger brothers. Juan worked throughout the western U.S. in orchards picking pears, oranges, walnuts, apples and grapes. Grape harvesting lead him to the Napa Valley, which became his new home, where he raised his family.

Juan Sr. began his long career in the cellar at Souverain Cellars in 1973 where he worked until moving to Rutherford Hill Winery in 1975. There he worked alongside his brothers, Miguel (from 1973-1992) and Arturo (from 1979-1992) crafting wines. During his 37-year tenure at Rutherford Hill, Senior became the heart and soul of the winery, affectionately known as “Don Juan.” It wasn’t hard to spot Juan Sr. — just look for the man in the straw hat, holstering a two-way radio across his chest like spaghetti western star. Juan Sr. was Rutherford Hill Winery’s California Lottery organizer for many years. He tried to strike it rich for all the employees, “$5 guarantees you a spot at winning millions!”

Senior mastered numerous winemaking techniques, working alongside countless talented winemakers. Year after year, he shared this knowledge with young interns and inspiring winemakers alike, including some of today’s great talents. This patriarch of the winery operations spent his career doing what he loved most, making wine. He instilled the love of wine making in his son, Juan Jr., who follows in his footsteps to this day. A true master with a passion for winemaking like no other, a part of his soul still lives today and forever on top of the hill at Rutherford Hill Winery.

He was a devoted family man who cherished time with his family and grandchildren, especially holidays and birthdays. He enjoyed gardening and sharing its crop with all. He was a master of the barbecue — just ask anyone who knew him. His specialties were carne asada and slow cooked ribs with a side of grilled onions and tostadas on the grill. His wife Emma made her signature salsas to complete the meal. And of course, his carnitas in the big copper Caso were just delicious. He loved waking up at 5 a.m. to enjoy his coffee with friends at Sunshine Market or at Rutherford Hill with colleagues.

We invite you to a celebration of Juan Sr.’s life, beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 2, with a viewing at 4 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. rosary at St. Helena Catholic Church. The funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 3, at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Following the burial, a reception will be held at Rutherford Hill Winery’s Olive Grove picnic area.

He will be remembered not only as a passionate, hard-working and wonderful man, but as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend and colleague. This harvest and each harvest to come we’ll be graced by our “Angel of Harvest,” Juan Senior. He will be dearly missed.

Please share your fond memories and stories of Juan with the family at MorrisonFuneralChapel.com.