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to a new family venture. "Alex was a gifted young equestri- an," her father says. "So we bought some land in Carmel Valley where she could ride and we could escape the fog and get some sun." One day the Silvestris were enjoy- ing the view on the property, turned to each other and said, "Hey! Let's plant some grapes." The vines for what would become Silvestri wines were planted in 2000, with the first released vintage being that of 2003. All are estate wines, and include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Barbera, Syrah and a blend enti- tled "Eugenia" (in honor of Alan's grandmother). Production is under 3,000 cases per year. "We're trying to make a good bottle of wine, and wanted to see what that beautiful Carmel Valley dirt could produce," Silvestri adds. Giving Back When one of Silvestri's sons was two years old, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. "It was very traumatic," Sandra says. "He was flown to Children's Hospital in LA and nearly died. I got involved with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and founded the local chapter in 1996. So far, we've raised more than $2 million to aid research into finding a cure for diabetes." The Silvestris go against just about ever y Hollywood stereotype. They're humble, in tune with their adopted community and passionate about helping others. Glen Ballard spares no words in his admiration of his friend. "His grace and poise are admir- able," the songwriter says. "He's one of the finest human beings to walk this planet." Visit www.silvestrivineyards.com or the Carmel tasting room on 7th between San Carlos and Dolores. For more infor- mation on the Juvenile Diabetes Re- search Foundation, visit www.jdrf.org. Silvestri was the recipient of The Arts Council for Monterey County's 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo: Kelli Uldall C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 161 The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's One Walk raised $240,000 in October, 2016. Sandra founded the local chapter in 1996 to help fund a cure for Type 1 diabetes. "This community has been very generous," she says. Photo: Courtesy of Silvestri Family Collection