Between the Lines

By Joanne Wojcik

October 03, 2005

From broker to vintner

Wine has many health benefits, so it makes sense for a California health insurance broker to moonlight as a vintner.

While Henry Loubet , senior vp and chief strategy officer at Torrance, Calif.-based Keenan & Associates, claims it's only a hobby, he's been an oenophile since he was introduced to wine back home in New Jersey . He joked that in those days, Boones Farm and Mateus were the finest wines available.

"You should try my wine," he urged during a recent interview with Business Insurance.

"It's more fun than health care sometimes. But, after you drink it, health care becomes more fun," he said.

The first release of 2003 Napa Valley Loubet Cabernet may only be 50 cases, but next year it will grow to 125 cases and the year after that Loubet Vineyards plans to produce 300-400 cases, according to Mr. Loubet. The winemaker of Loubet Cabernet is viniculturist Art Finklestein, who founded Whitehall Lane Winery in 1979.

A health insurance industry veteran, Mr. Loubet's resume includes positions at UnitedHealth Care, Health Net, Foundation Health and DrugEmporium/HealthCentral.

For more information about Loubet Vineyards, visit www.loubetvineyards.com.

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