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Frederick John Fisher II, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, in Santa Rosa, California. He was 91.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Fred was a grandson of the visionary Fisher brothers, founders of the Fisher Body Company. He carried their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to craftsmanship from America’s heartland to the farming frontier of California. Fred attended prep school at Portsmouth Abbey, followed by Princeton University and Harvard Business School. While serving in the Army in Germany, Fred took leave to travel through the lake region of Italy. It was on this trip that he was first awestruck by mountain-grown wines, seeding a passion he would ultimately pursue nearly a decade later.
Leaving Michigan, Fred embraced the Golden State's promise, where he ultimately channeled his passion and ingenuity as a winegrower and vintner. Having met Juelle Lamb (whom he would later marry) on a blind date in San Francisco, Fred embarked on a pioneering journey with her, founding Fisher Vineyards in 1973. Together, they planted steep mountain vineyards on the untamed western edge of the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County, followed by vineyards along Simmons Creek in Napa Valley (Calistoga).
With meticulous attention to detail, Fred cultivated exceptional wines that reflected his unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Soon after founding Fisher Vineyards, Fred established Coach Insignia (Cabernet Sauvignon) as his flagship bottling from Napa Valley to embody his deep appreciation for the tradition of craftsmanship and quality demonstrated by his forefathers in early automobiles with Body by Fisher.
Fred's favorite place in the world was atop his Mountain Estate Vineyard, where he married Juelle 50 years ago in the Wedding Vineyard, raised three children, built his first winery, and lived until his final days - surrounded by the fruits of his labor and the love of his life. Fred was known to many as humble, took great pride in his family's work and was eternally grateful for all the bounties of his life.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Juelle, whose unwavering love and support became the cornerstone of his life and a constant source of joy. Her partnership with Fred was integral to the success of Fisher Vineyards; their shared life stands as a testament to enduring love and mutual admiration. Fred is also survived by his children, Whitney (Nile) Zacherle, Robert (Heather) Fisher and Cameron (Darren) Buck; and grandchildren, Madeleine and Frederick Zacherle, Charles and Thomas Fisher, and Briggs, Frederick and John Buck.
Fred's legacy lives on through the exceptional wines and vineyards he created - now lovingly cared for by Juelle, Whitney, Rob and Cameron - and the enduring spirit of innovation he embodied. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who were touched by his warmth, generosity and quiet determination.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Fred's memory to Up Valley Family Centers. The family plans to hold services privately.
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