Over the last 30 years Michele Truchard has built her career at the intersection of wine, nutrition, and wellness. As a fourth-generation Napan, and successful Vintner she brings a unique combination of experience shaped by early work in nutrition and dietetics, a lifelong passion for fitness, and decades in Napa Valley hospitality. Her philosophy is simple: balance should be lived, not just talked about. She strives to bring that idea to life every day. Today, that philosophy shapes both her lifestyle and her work as an ambassador for John Anthony Wine & Spirits brands, helping wine lovers rethink how wine can fit into a more balanced way of living.

She attended San Diego State University before earning her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Sacramento State University. During this time, she also became a fitness instructor. She began her professional career on the nutrition and dietetics teams at UCSF Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, where she reviewed meal plans to support patients’ health needs, with a focus on pediatrics.

While building her clinical career, she spent weekends working trade hospitality events at Freemark Abbey in Napa Valley while also training for her first marathon and went on to complete multiple half marathons. The experience reinforced her belief that a healthy lifestyle and a love of wine can exist side by side.

Michele first met John Anthony Truchard in high school in Napa and they started dating while attending San Diego State University. When he returned to Northern California to pursue viticulture, she joined him, bringing her perspective on nutrition and lifestyle into Napa Valley hospitality. She later led events at Rutherford Hill Winery, part of the Terlato Wine Group, where she developed one of Napa Valley’s early food and wine pairing programs focused on balance and flavor.

In 2003, John founded John Anthony Vineyards, and Michele joined him in supporting the new winery and hand selling its early wines. Over the past two decades, the couple has grown John Anthony Wine & Spirits into a portfolio of nationally recognized wine brands, including household name Butter Chardonnay while raising three children in Napa Valley. Along the way, Michele launched her own sparkling wine program, La Dame Michele, completed several more half marathons and running races in support of the Napa Community, and has became known for the thoughtful hospitality she brings to gatherings at their Carneros home for family,friends, and the many philanthropic pursuits that she and John support.

Today, Michele serves as a spokesperson for John Anthony Wine & Spirits, with a focus on Butter Wines and the launch of ButterZero. Drawing on her background in nutrition, fitness, and wine, she helps lead conversations around balance, moderation, and evolving wine occasions. Through her family, work, and her own lifestyle, Michele leads by example in showing that balance does not have to mean giving up the simple pleasures of sharing wine.