Growing Into Greatness: A Vintage Vineyard Novel

by Tanya E. Williams

She stopped waiting for her father's blessing. She never stopped wanting his love.

Napa Valley, 1960. Sofia Russo is forty years old, alone in her cottage, swirling a glass of Pinot Noir from her own vines. It is, by any measure, extraordinary wine. And almost no one knows she made it.

In one week, she is expected to stand at the opening of the Russo family tasting room and deliver a speech honoring her father's life's work — a vineyard he has spent decades preparing to hand to her twin brother. Not because Alonso wants it. Not because he is the better winemaker. But because Giovanni Russo believes that is how it must be.

Six years ago, she quietly claimed a small plot of neighboring land as her own — planting vines her father knows nothing about, embracing everything her beloved grandfather, Nonno, taught her about what it means to coax greatness from unforgiving soil. The wine in her glass is proof that she was right to try.

What Sofia doesn't know is that her father carries a secret — one rooted in grief and guilt he has never shared, a fear so old and so private that it shaped every distance he ever placed between them. He has been watching over her the whole time, in the only language he knows.

Spanning four decades of Russo family history — from the shadow of Prohibition through the upheaval of wartime and into the restless hope of 1960 — Growing into Greatness is a richly layered novel about a daughter and a father who love the same thing and cannot find their way to each other. About a grandfather who bridges the silence. About what it means to grow not in spite of struggle, but because of it.

Like the vines themselves: rooted, resilient, and reaching always toward the light.

For readers who love vineyard novels and wine fiction with emotional depth, family saga novels spanning multiple generations, and stories of women who claim their own lives — quietly, stubbornly, and completely.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

A writer from a young age, Tanya E Williams loves to help a reader get lost in another time, another place through the magic of books. History continues to inspire her stories and her insightful view into the human condition deepens her character's experiences and propels them on their journey. Ms. Williams' favorite tales, speak to the reader's heart, making them smile, laugh, cry, and think.

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Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Set in Napa Valley in the 1960s which is present day in the story. We also have flashback story for our main character starting in the 1930s working back up to present day 1960s. Sofia Russo, is the daughter of a winemaker and she wants to take over the family business but her father wants her twin brother to have it. Sofia sets off to learn everything there is to know about vineyards and making wine, to prove to her dad she should be part of the business.
This was a story about family and I really loved it. I felt bad for Sofia working so hard to get her father’s approval. But her determination and hard work was admirable. I loved the relationship between Sofia and her twin brother. And how her brother, mother and grandfather kept encouraging her. I also enjoyed learning about the winemaking process throughout the book. And I loved the heartwarming ending! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned quite a bit about wine, some wonderful wine sayings and the struggles for wine growers during prohibition, the great depression and then WWII. There was really quite a few decades of strife if you had vineyards as your source of income and life. This novel is told through Sofia Russo, who was raised with stories from her grandfather and the struggle of proving herself to her father. Her twin brother was always the chosen one to take on the Russo vineyards, but Sofia is the one who had the love of the wine, the vineyards, the daily work in the fields and the possibility of creating new wines. She has had the stamina, drive and skills but her father has always made it clear that she will not be carrying on the Russo wine legacy. But Sofia is not willing to give up on her dreams and heavily relies on her mother and grandfather to believe in her. I really enjoyed Sofia's character and often could relate with her trying to prove herself. I also did not realize all the struggles that wineries had during that part of the history and how just when they could be bouncing back, WWII then broke out and the government once again came calling but for another reason. I really also loved Nonno's character and all of his words of wisdom. Thank you to the author for the complementary ebook and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story written in a dual timeline that takes place between 1930 and 1960, that surrounds a families vineyard. Sophia and Alonso are twins, born into the Russo family, the family owns their own vineyard in Napa. On Sophias 10th birthday she experiences her first taste of wine. She watches her father see her and her eyes light up, but his reaction is dismissive, instead he turns his attention to Alonso who has no apparent awareness or interest in wine of the vineyard. Alonso is more interested in art. She feels her father is not proud of her and this forms resentment towards her father. She finds a loving relationship with her Grandfather Nonno. He shares with her all his knowledge about growing grapes and making wine. The story follows Sophia and her struggle to keep trying to prove herself and her with and the social standards of women at the time.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Growing Into Greatness
A Novel Written By Tanya E. Williams
Historical Fiction
Published July 2024
292 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a character driven historical fiction novel that takes place in Napa Valley. It is told in dual timelines from 1930 to 1960. The author takes us through the effects of prohibition on family vineyards. It highlights the time period when a women’s role is to be supportive not a leader.

The author did an immense amount of research to tell the story of the Russo Family.

Sofia Russo’s lifelong ambition is to run the family vineyard. She feels she is the future of Russo wine as the company’s vintner. Her father believes her twin brother, Alfonso, deserves that title. As the story progresses we witness Sofia’s patience and resilience as she tries to prove her capabilities to her father. Sofia learns that things are not always as they seem.

“One can only grow into greatness when they’ve been challenged to rise above the struggle.”

[Kerry Chaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about family, but it’s also about the hard work of one woman determined to prove her place in her father’s legacy. If you love vineyards, historical settings, and complicated family relationships, you’ll love this book.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning more about the art of growing grapes and making wine and this story highlights the beauty of the process. It's told in two timelines and written in lyrical prose that invites you to imagine the richness of the landscape, taste the fruits of the vineyard, and experience the complications of the combination of family and business. I enjoyed the characters of Sofia and Alonso and appreciated the effort Sofia made to succeed. The ending is perfection and left me with a warm glow and a desire for a nice glass of wine.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love wine and I love historical fiction so this book was a perfect blend for me.

The book is set in Napa in 1960 around the Russo Family winery and centers around the daughter of the family, Sofia, who wants to be the winemaker for the vineyard. Sofia’s father chooses Sofia’s twin brother, Al, to take over even though he isn’t interested.

The book goes back and forth from 1960 through past time periods including Prohibition and World War II. This really allows us to get a feel of the struggles winemakers faced.

This also gives us a frame of reference for Sofia’s desire to be part of the vineyards since she was 10 years old.

I loved both aspects of the read..Sofia’s frustration at being rejected by her father as the vineyard’s winemaker as well as a glimpse into the overall picture of Napa in its historical context.

I think wine and winemaking is a combination of science, art, nature, and passion. This book and its story really embodies this.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story about a woman chasing her dream set on a family vineyard. The words roll off the page and create a movie in your mind. Sofia is a character you'll root for. My favorite character is her grandfather. Pick it up, you won't regret it!!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled right into the idea of living in on a vineyard! The descriptions of the vines, the community it takes to create the wines…before long I was looking up wine courses! As I fell deeper into the story - it was so much more it was a family’s legacy. The love and passion for the family, yet divided by tradition! The story took me to a place where I could see the conflict yet want the best for both perspectives! What a great love story, the love is for a family with dedication to their legacy!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wine and historical fiction are two of my favorite things. Growing into Greatness combines those two things. Told in dual timelines from the 1930's to the 1960's, we see the struggles the Russo Vineyards face from prohibition, the depression and World War ll.

Sofia Russo knew she wanted to be a wine maker and someday run the family vineyard since she had her first sip of wine when she was 10 years old. When her father announces her twin brother Alonso will take over as the next family winemaker, she struggles with a relationship with her father. Alonso does not want to be a wine maker. Sofia is determined to rise above the inequality of the times and prove him wrong.

I couldn't help but feel for Sofia as she struggles to prove herself to her father. I loved the relationship between Sofia and her Nonna and his words of wisdom. I like how her mother, Nonna and Alonso encouraged her. I learned so much about the struggles of the winemakers during this period of time and how they fought to survive. I enjoyed this story set in Napa Valley and the heartwarming ending.

Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.

[Kelsey Gietl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing into Greatness is a family story about finding the balance between your dreams and those of your family. The tale weaves in and out between the "present" 1960s and the past 1920s-1950s with some extremely well-written scenes that really tug on your heart. The last few chapters were some of my favorites as we finally see how everything-and everyone-comes together.
One note: This story takes place primarily in a vineyard, but I don't drink wine and am unfamiliar with the technicalities of winemaking. While the characters and story are enjoyable without this knowledge, I feel that the story would resonate even more for wine enthusiasts.

I was a beta reader for this book; however, I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Caitlin Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a well-crafted story about hard work, family dynamics, and, of course, wine. And now I want to own a vineyard...

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been to Napa Wine Country many times and watching the movie Bottle Shock twice, which Tanya references in her Author Notes, I was eager to begin reading Growing Into Greatness.
I was not disappointed.

Sophia and Alonso are twins, born into the Russo family shortly before the Great Depression. Alonso is growing into a talented artist and Sophia loves nothing more than being a part of the land, the vines and the wine. At their 10th birthday she has her first taste of wine. As her father sees her savor it, sees her eyes light up, he reacts in a dismissive way and turns his attention to Alonso who has no apparent awareness of all the nuances of wine.

Over the years that ensue Sophia’s father’s rebuff grows huge in her mind. She feels her father is not proud of her and she in turn has a deep discontent. Her attitude with her father is obstinate resentment. Her Grandfather Nonno is a huge source of acceptance in her life and he shares with her all his knowledge about growing grapes and making wine.

I don’t want to give too much away but it is a beautiful story with a rewarding ending which you will not want to miss. There are many truths about life strung throughout the book so I ended up with many areas hi-lighted for future re-reading. When you read this book do not skip over the Author’s Notes in the back of the book. There is much enjoyable information there on her research and the people and groups that aided in her research.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya E. Williams, the Author of “Growing Into Greatness” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. In this well-written Historical Fiction novel, the author brings us to Napa Valley, and vividly describes the wine making process from the vines to the bottles. The growth and struggle of the vines, and grapes is also symbolic of the growth and struggle of a family that spends their life in the vineyard. I appreciate how the author describes how women have contributed to the process, and the difficulties along the way in recognition.

The characters in this novel are described as complex and complicated, disciplined, stubborn, and productive. The female protagonist, Sofia Russo, has grown up in the vineyard, and has always dreamed of being the family winemaker. Her father faced the difficulties during Prohibition, when it was difficult to make a living on a vineyard. Sofia is a twin, and her brother has different ambitions. Encouraged by her grandfather, a neighbor, friends, work and research, Sofia learns as much as she can. Sofia faces great disappointment when her father announces that Alonso, the twin brother will be the next winemaker in the family.

I highly recommend this heartfelt, memorable and thought-provoking novel about growth, love, and hope.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know about you, but I think a trip to Napa Valley was in order to read this book. Luckily, the author did a fantastic job with the setting and gave me a bookation. Is that a word? If not, you heard it here first. 

The wine business is tough. Add Prohibition, the Depression, World War II, and a family legacy, it becomes brutal. Told in dual timelines, it covered the span of 30 years, 1930-60. Born at a time when women were not destined to be leaders, Sophia struggled with being bypassed to take over the family wine business. I felt bad for Sofia as she was not only competent but enthusiastic about the opportunity. The ensuing plea to earn her father’s trust (or love) and to prove she was good enough was hard to take. I appreciate her resilience, as I wouldn’t have been able to deal with the pain of learning the reason she was overlooked. I also pity the fact that she clung to the hope of being appreciated for her skills. I would have appreciated a subplot or two to have more to focus on but overall it was a good read.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Growing into Greatness by Tanya E. Williams and definitely recommend it. I listened to the audiobook, and the author's engaging writing style kept me wanting to hear "just one more chapter," making it a quick and enjoyable one-day listen.

This character-driven historical fiction novel, set in Napa Valley, weaves between 1930 and 1960 to tell a heartfelt story about balancing personal dreams with family expectations. The family relationships are complex, with strong intergenerational ties and long-buried secrets that threaten to tear the family apart. Despite the large cast of characters, I never found the story confusing.

It’s clear Ms. Williams did extensive research into both the intricacies of winemaking and the business of running a vineyard, adding authenticity to the story without slowing the pace. Her descriptive writing made every scene easy to visualize and drew me completely into the lives of the characters. This is a story that tugs at the heart on many levels.

I look forward to reading more from Ms. Williams in the future.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary ebook, provided with no obligation to write a review.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Tanya E. Williams, and this does not disappoint, if I could give this one hundred stars I would!! This book takes place in the 1960's, but they give references to the 1920's-1950's. The Russo family lives in Napa Valley California, and own a vineyard and winery. Sofia and Alonso are twins, but Sophia is the oldest. Ever since she was a little girl, she followed her father and Nonno (her grand- father) around to learn everything about grapes and wine. They called her their shadow. Alonso was not interested in the winery, he loved to draw. When their father announced that Alonso will be taking over as the next Russo Winemaker; Sophia was crushed, even her mother spoke up for her. Alonso, her mother, and Nonno; keep encouraging her. Sophia has worked so hard to get her Father's approval; does she ever get it? Love the plot, great setting, and strong, intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Tanya E. Williams!!!

[Pat Black-Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya E. Williams beautifully written historical fiction novel brings to life a world I knew nothing about previously: the winemaking industry. I love the novel’s dual timeline as I watch the growth and development of the lead character, Sofia. She’s a determined young woman whose desire is to run her family’s winemaking business; however, her father believes the business is not the place for a woman. But Sofia is tenacious, and I find myself rooting for her as she continues to learn more about wine-making with the help of her mentor, Nonno, her grandfather. I love the relationship between these two characters. (I have to say, I purchased the audiobook, and I loved listening to Nonno's voice!

I'll also add that I’ve never been to Napa Valley, but the author's description of this region brought me to the vineyards, and I was right there with Sofia, hoping that she would receive the opportunity she deserves.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Into Greatness, A Vintage Vineyard Novel by Tanya E. Williams is an excellent historical fiction novel that I really enjoyed reading.

The main character, Sofia Russo has spent her life in the vineyard with dreams of making wine.

There are many struggles during the Prohibition. Sophia has a twin brother, Alfonso who has no interest in the family vineyard business.

When Sophia's father announces Alfonoso will be the next winemaker in the family, she faces great disappointment and her relationship with her family is fractured.

The author describes Napa Valley in such beautiful images and an incredible backdrop for this story filled with hardship, secrets, and hope.

Highly recommend this excellent historical fiction.

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1960 and Sofie is determined to be a winemaker. That is all she’s ever dreamed about doing, however her father has his own ideas and decides to give the job of head winemaker to her twin brother, even though he doesn’t want the job. Given the task of writing a speech for her father’s retirement, Sofie goes through some old journals to help find inspiration.
The novel spans 4 decades of history, including the depression and WWII and how those events shaped the Russo Family Vineyard.
This is an emotional journey of connecting with one’s past in order to find some answers in the present. The writing is beautiful. It could have been a memoir, if not for the fact that it is fiction. Each character was well developed and I could not put this book down. Nonno was definitely my favorite!

[Nicky McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a young age Sofia knew that she had a passion for making wine and following in her family’s footsteps at the Russo Family Vineyards. But her dreams were crushed by a long-held tradition of patriarchy. Will Sofia be able to heal a broken relationship with her father and convince him that she could have a role to play in keeping the vineyard alive?

I found myself happily lost in the complicated family dynamic and the secrets that threatened to tear the family apart. This story takes the reader on a journey between the past and the present (1960s) and keeps the reader engaged the whole time.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Napa is my happy place so of course I enjoyed the Napa setting. I’m also a big fan of tradition so reading about the history of the Russo family vineyard was an added bonus. There was a lot more to this book than wine though. Sofia was a wonderful and tenacious FMC and I developed a great appreciation for determination to stay true to herself while also trying to honor her family. I appreciated the author’s note and it was interesting to learn more about how Prohibition impacted the wine industry in the US.

[Lynn Maniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a woman and her dreams from girlhood --a desire to be "the" winemaker of her father's vineyard. Even though she continues to learn and work towards that end, her father makes it clear that her brother will inherit the business. The author has done a fine job not only of researching the business of winemaking, but of demonstrating family members' perspectives and ultimate love for each other. Highly recommend!

[Dawnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dual timeline story taking place between 1930 and 1960, with a lush Napa Valley backdrop. The story of Sophia, and her family who run a vineyard. Sophia longs to run the family business but, her father thinks her twin brother Alfonso is a much better fit. The story follows Sophia and her struggle to keep trying to prove herself worthy, and the social standards of women at the time. This was a beautifully written story I enjoyed.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing Into Greatness is a beautiful story about family traditions, hard work and love with a fantastic setting.
A strong female character, and her determination to prove herself, dual timelines and lots of information about the winemaking process, I learned a lot from it, I hope I can visit Napa Valley one day.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 by Tanya E Williams author released July 18, 2024.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia was ahead of her time. A woman wanting to be a part of the family wine business when instead her brother is chosen. Family is a complicated beast. Especially in the 1960s and the expectations of the roles we play.

I loved her relationship with her grandfather and how she kept struggling to show her worth. There were many a moment I felt for Sophia. I also loved learning about winemaking. Such an interesting business.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a book I enjoyed very much. It’s the kind of story that flows nicely and before you know it, you finish the book with a smile. It’s about love and family, tradition and determination.
Sofia has lived and always wanted to run her family’s winery though her brother is chosen as head of the family business. This has dual timelines from the Prohibition era to the 60’s . Both timelines are detailed and engaging and relevant for the time periods. Wonderful book!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a rating of 4.6, I guess I had higher expectations for a good read. To me it seemed somewhat repetitious I finished the book but was not alĺ that excited by it' s limited story.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Into Greatness, the first book in A Vintage Vineyard series, takes the reader on a journey into the lives of a winemaking family in Napa Valley, California. The story unfolds in two timelines, spanning from 1930 to 1960, as Sophia envisions taking over the family vineyard amidst a backdrop of family dynamics, misunderstandings, hidden truths, and the challenges of being a female winemaker in that era. Note: I googled how many women in America are winemakers now in the 21st century, and it’s less than 20 percent!

Sophia is a very relatable, strong woman character, and I rooted for her from the beginning and thought about her and her family when I wasn’t reading. This, to me, is a sign of a great book.

I love wine, but I knew nothing of the complete process, save for several wine tours over the years, but nothing in depth like I learned from this novel. It was fascinating. And I also knew little about prohibition, and the impact it had on winemakers and families and what they did to survive. Wow!

Williams takes you on an incredible, immersive journey. Family, winemaking, friendships, grief, trauma and love on many levels. This is a must-read. I look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend Growing in Greatness.

[Sayword B Eller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to thank the author for an advanced reader copy of this book.

Sofia Russo was born to be a winemaker and to take over her family’s vineyard. If only her father saw it that way.

1960: Forty-year-old Sofia has been trying to get her father’s approval since she was ten years old, but on her tenth birthday he seemed to turn away from her and embrace her twin brother Alonso (Al) as his successor in the wine business. She has spent years trying to convince her father (and mother) that she should be brought into the business, but her father has rebuked her at every turn. Sofia doesn’t know how to give up. As a Russo and a winemaker, it just isn’t in her. She needs to convince her father she deserves to be the head winemaker for the family business once and for all, but he’s still not open to discussion and she’s running out of time.

Though Sofia has become an excellent and extremely knowledgeable vintner, her father still plans to hand the vineyard over to her brother in a week, much to the chagrin of both Sofia and Al. She’s been tasked with writing a speech for her father, one that will honor him as the successful vintner he is while also praising him as father, but Sofia is paralyzed by hostility and unable to write a glowing speech for her father when he’s done nothing but push her away for thirty years.

Not knowing what else to do, she turns to her Nonno’s trunk, hoping her grandfather who was so wise in life may be able to help her now through what he’s left behind. As she goes through the trunk’s contents, she relives key moments from her past, the moments that made her the headstrong, independent person she is today despite never being accepted by her father. But will what she finds in the past be enough to help her accept her father and his decisions in the present?

Spanning thirty years, Growing Into Greatness is a story of complicated family dynamics rooted in love and sacrifice. It also reminds us that our perception of a situation isn’t always the entire story. Williams does a masterful job at bringing in historical events with a subtleness that doesn’t distract the reader or slow down the narrative.

I haven’t enjoyed a story about wine this much since Sideways in 2004.

Favorite quotes:

“If you want something different for your life than others see for you, it is up to you to go out and achieve it” (47).

“No vine grows into greatness without first struggling” (115).

“We may do things in a quiet way, my dear, but a woman should never be underestimated when she gets her teeth into something” (122).