Mark Neal’s life-long involvement with the Napa Valley started with working with his father Jack Neal. In 1968 after working years for other farmers, Jack Neal started a vineyard management business in 1968. Mark began at an early age and worked side-by-side removing prune and walnut trees as well as vines. He also planted and maintained vineyards and orchards. Before he was driving a car, Mark was operating tractors, earthmovers, and trucks building reservoirs, removing trees and terracing the hillsides of Napa Valley. By the time he was 18 years old, he had logged 12,000 hours on the family tractors and numerous of hours from planting to harvest, and he knew he liked the farmer’s view of the world.
In 1984 Mark started working with CCOF and listed vineyards under the Certified Organic Status after decades of growing organic grapes. Upon his father’s passing in 1994, Mark assumed the position of Owner and President of Jack Neal & Son, Inc. (JNS). The company has grown considerably under his management and Mark has worked hard to ensure the company provides the same excellent service, commitment to quality, and personal attention to its clients that were Jack’s founding principles. His innovative viticulture practices and up-to-the-minute technology have helped to keep JNS at the forefront of premium grape growing in Napa Valley. Mark continues to direct every aspect of JNS’ operations and is proud to have assembled a talented team of experts to help him carry on his father’s vision.
