Just like a good wine brings its history and terroir to each bottle, Pence Vineyards & Winery’s owner, Blair Pence, brings his business experience, love of music, and California roots to The Granada Theatre Board.
Pence just completed his first year of service on The Granada Board, focusing on creating an even better experience for theatergoers.
“I’m working to elevate our concessions,” he said. “I’d like to see our offering match the beauty of the venue with more cohesive selections and service. It’s a small thing, but in my experience, small things add up to big things.”
Pence knows this from decades of philanthropic work with Goodwill Industries.
“We took Goodwill from a $17 million operation to over $300 million by looking at how it could function better by improving components that ultimately impacted the whole business,” Pence said. “I bring this entrepreneurial mindset to The Granada.”
After his experience on The Granada Board, Pence is diving deeper into supporting other performing arts organizations this year. A former USC Trojan trumpet player, he’s now helping the marching band on a philanthropic level.
“I’m hoping there is a way to weave something between the band and The Granada to support both,” he said.
View from the Balcony
Pence, who comes from a highly musical family, where he readily admits that his talents were the weakest link, now prefers to enjoy music from the audience rather than the stage.
During his first year on the Board, he and his wife Dianne committed to attending as many shows as they could at The Granada.
“We’ve been twice in the past week,” enthused Pence. “It’s one thing to hear about things at a Board meeting, but I believe you have to know a place to understand it and serve the community.”
Pence said his favorite shows are those with a strong horn section or jazz performances, such as Chris Botti, which he recently saw.
Sip for Good
Renowned winemaker Robert Mondavi said, “Wine is art. It’s culture. It’s the essence of civilization and the art of living,” so the pairing of wine and theater is a natural combination.
Since joining the Board, Pence has donated a pallet of wine to the Granada, and his winery was one of the sponsors of the annual Legends Gala last year, which honors local legends who have advanced the performing arts in a significant way.
On Aug. 16, 2025, Pence Vineyards & Winery will host a benefit for Granada at the winery. Chairman, Palmer Jackson Jr.’s band, The Doublewide Kings, will headline the entertainment.
“It was Palmer who got me involved with The Granada Board so it’s fun to have this continuing partnership with him,” said Pence.
Pence Vineyard Grows
Pence Vineyard & Winery specializes in Burgundian-style wines. Pence developed his passion for wine during college, when a fraternity brother introduced him to premium Napa wines like Inglenook—a significant upgrade from their usual beer and Jack Daniels. Pence was hooked and continued to drink and learn about wine. When he discovered Burgundy, he found his passion. He’s gone to the French region yearly for the past 25 years. He is also a member of the prestigious Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an organization dedicated to promoting all things Burgundy.
This year, Pence is excited to continue his work on the Board and perhaps join a committee if his fellow board members want his help with specific aspects of the theater.
We’ll raise a glass to that!