James Holmes (DOB 1936) is originally from California’s North Bay Area near their famous viticultural areas. Instead of pursing an agricultural career, he followed a technology path at the University of California earning a B.S. in Engineering in 1959. After graduation, the rapidly growing nuclear industry enticed him to Join the General Electric nuclear reactor research group in Richland in Southwest Washington. Three years later he earned an M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Washington. His technical career focused on clarifying of fission and fusion systems at Battelle Northwest, North American Aviation, and Westinghouse. His research produced numerous research papers and extensive world travel. 

This travel offered an opportunity to visit foreign vineyards and wineries which, together with his California background, led him to conjecture that maybe great wines could be produced in SW Washington. Contacts with WSU reinforced that thought so together with John Willams in 1975 they planted 10 acres of wine grapes at a remote primitive location called Red Mountain. At that time there was no water available, no electricity, and no roads. All such infrastructure was developed by the two families.  

In 1994 Holmes and Williams separated their interests. Holmes became the owner of the Ciel Du Cheval vineyard, expanded it to 160 acres, planted a wide variety of grapes, and installed ultramodern instrumentation to measure and control grape quality resulting from environmental inputs. Holmes has been active in Washington wine community organizations and has led efforts to pave Red Mountain roads and to bring Yakima River Irrigation water to the area. The irrigation effort enabled the Area to be fully planted.  

As a pioneer of the Washington wine industry, he has received numerous awards.