As teenagers, Vanessa Conlin and Jennifer Garner met in a ballet class in Charleston, West Virginia. Jennifer was already in high school and a humble inspiration to everyone around her. Talented, funny, and family-oriented, she was popular despite being a band geek, and kind to everyone she met. Vanessa had moved to Charleston when her father, Thomas Conlin, a classical musician, took the role of Conductor and Musical Director of the West Virginia Symphony. Thomas’ s wife, Renay, had studied opera at Juilliard and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, and was a respected and sought-after voice teacher.
Through their conversations during ballet class, Vanessa and Jen became close friends, and Jennifer became a voice student of Renay Conlin. As an aspiring musical theater star, Jennifer also coached with Maestro Tom Conlin for her college auditions, and the Conlins drove Jen to her auditions.
Meanwhile, the Conlins’ daughter Vanessa was pursuing her own musical career, moving to New York to study at the Manhattan School of Music. She performed internationally and on Broadway in Baz Luhrmann’ s production of“ La Bohème”.
Over the next decade, Jennifer became a television sensation on“ Alias” and a movie icon in films such as“ 13 Going on 30”.
Meanwhile, Vanessa discovered a passion for wine. She transitioned from music to wine, eventually earning the coveted Master of Wine title— one of only 57 in the United States and fewer than 400 worldwide.
Above: Hudson Ranch and Vineyards Left: Hudson Ranch and Vineyards
52 THE ART OF APPRECIATION