Joseph Phelps was a construction worker and vintner who founded and owned Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa Valley. Born in Missouri in 1927 and raised in rural Colorado, he graduated from Colorado State University in 1950 with a degree in construction management. Following his service in the Navy, he started a California office of the family-owned Hensel Phelps Construction Company and eventually secured the contract to build the Chateau Souverain Winery, later known as Rutherford Hill. In 1973, he purchased 600 acres of grapes on the Silverado Trail and established Joseph Phelps Vineyards, where he popularized the use of Rhône Valley varietals as one of California’s first “Rhône Rangers.” In this interview, Phelps discusses his career in construction work, building the Souverain Winery, establishing Phelps Vineyards, Vin du Mistral and the Rhône Rangers, and significant changes in the Napa Valley over the late 20th century. This interview is part of a group of interviews documenting the California wine industry.