Rick Kushman

About the Author

Rick Kushman is an acclaimed journalist and author whose career spans decades of storytelling, from investigative reporting to narrative non-fiction that captures the essence of human resilience and innovation. A former senior writer for the Sacramento Bee, where he earned numerous awards including the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing, Kushman brings a keen eye for detail and a compelling voice to his work. In his debut book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America's #1 Wine Brand, co-authored with Michael and Bonnie Bartosh, he chronicles the improbable rise of the Barefoot Wine empire from humble beginnings to national dominance, blending entrepreneurial grit with heartfelt anecdotes. Kushman's writing not only informs but inspires, offering readers insights into perseverance and the American dream through vivid, engaging prose that resonates long after the final page.