Merriam-Webster defines “baron” as “a man who possesses great power or influence in some field of activity.” Hence, it’s about time that someone anointed Steve Darland with the title—Baron of Balsamic (vinegar)! Besides, it’s a nice alliteration.
Venerable Forbes Magazine is the latest national publication to do a spread on Steve and wife Jane’s balsamic vinegar operation in Monticello, NM, where they’ve literally been laboring in the vineyards for years to become the nation’s leading producer of true balsamic vinegar, whose lineage goes directly back to its native Italy.
For Seattle newbies, Steve was a phenom in the advertising business, first making his mark in New York City, before returning home to Seattle for a number of years and finally finishing with a flourish with J Walter Thompson in San Francisco. [He also served seven years as chair of our MARKETING Awards panel of national experts.] He and Jane moved from San Francisco to begin their agrarian odyssey in 1999.
You can read the rest of the story at the link below. Congrats, yet again, “Baron” Steve and “Lady” Jane! —LC