About Joel Barjenbruch
There are people whose lives seem to follow a gentle rhythm, content to remain in familiar patterns year after year. And then there are people like Joel Barjenbruch — endlessly curious, constantly in motion, and always seeking to make the next experience richer than the last. Joel is a man defined not just by what he does, but by how he does it — with passion, precision, generosity, and a deep appreciation for life’s finer details.
Family as the Cornerstone
At the heart of everything Joel does is his family. As a devoted husband to Stacey and father to three children, family life forms the steady foundation on which his many interests and pursuits are built. Joel’s relationship with Stacey is not just a marriage but a shared adventure, fueled by mutual passions for wine, gourmet cooking, and creating warm, welcoming spaces for friends and loved ones. Together, they’ve cultivated a home where the kitchen is the heartbeat, the wine cellar is a treasure trove of memories, and the dining table is a gathering place for laughter, storytelling, and connection.
Raising three children has deepened Joel’s sense of purpose. Whether traveling with them to new destinations, teaching them the art of grilling over the outdoor fireplace, or simply sharing a Sunday meal, Joel embraces his role as both guide and companion. He strives to instill in them his three core values — never dormant, always moving forward; relationships first; and simply put, good out in the world. For Joel, these are not abstract ideas but guiding principles that shape every decision and interaction.
A Lifelong Relationship with Food and Wine
Joel’s love for food and wine is not a hobby — it’s an immersive, ongoing education. His wine collection, particularly focused on Napa Valley vintages, is a reflection of years spent exploring vineyards, talking with winemakers, and honing his palate. Joel is as comfortable discussing the nuanced differences between Oakville and Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignons as he is recommending the perfect bottle to pair with a slow-braised short rib dinner.
This passion extends beyond collecting to the experience of tasting and sharing. For Joel, opening a bottle of wine is never just about the liquid in the glass — it’s about the story behind it, the people who made it, and the memories that will be made while enjoying it. He and Stacey have spent countless evenings turning their dining room into a private tasting room, sharing curated pairings with friends and family.
His relationship with food is equally intentional. A lover of fine dining, Joel takes inspiration from the artistry of Michelin-starred restaurants, where each plate is a blend of flavor, texture, and visual presentation. He appreciates the way these establishments treat food as an experience — something that engages all the senses. When traveling, he and Stacey make it a point to seek out these culinary destinations, savoring not only the food but also the service, ambiance, and craft behind each meal.
Back home, Joel channels these influences into his own kitchen and outdoor cooking space. His outdoor fireplace grill is a point of pride — a place where he can slow down, experiment with flavors, and blend rustic techniques with gourmet precision. Whether it’s a perfectly charred tomahawk steak, cedar-plank salmon, or slow-smoked barbecue, Joel approaches cooking with the same dedication and creativity he applies to every area of life.
Entertaining as an Art Form
For Joel, hospitality is both a joy and a calling. He thrives on gathering people together, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or an elaborate holiday feast. Entertaining is never about impressing — it’s about making people feel welcome, cared for, and part of something special. He believes the best gatherings are those where guests linger long after the plates are cleared, lost in conversation and laughter.
Joel and Stacey have a natural rhythm as hosts. While Stacey might curate the table setting and menu details, Joel can often be found at the grill or in the kitchen, adding final touches to a dish, ensuring the wine glasses are never empty, and moving through the room with easy warmth. For them, entertaining is about creating shared moments that become cherished memories — the kind of experiences people carry with them long after they’ve gone home.
A Traveler’s Spirit
Travel has always been a defining part of Joel’s life. He’s as enthusiastic about discovering hidden culinary gems in small U.S. towns as he is about exploring world-class dining in Paris or Rome. His travels often center around food and wine, but they also reflect his broader curiosity about cultures, landscapes, and traditions.
Domestic trips might take him to the rolling vineyards of California wine country, the rich barbecue traditions of Texas, or the coastal seafood havens of the Pacific Northwest. Internationally, Joel has explored destinations where food and history are intertwined — strolling through bustling markets, learning local cooking techniques, and engaging with artisans and winemakers who embody their region’s heritage.
For Joel, travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about deepening his understanding of the world and bringing that inspiration back into his everyday life.
Faith and Community
While Joel’s passions for food, wine, and travel are integral to his identity, his faith and commitment to service form the moral compass guiding him. A Christian and active member of Southwood Lutheran Church, Joel approaches life with gratitude and a sense of responsibility to give back. His involvement in church life extends beyond Sunday services, encompassing volunteer work, community outreach, and support for local initiatives.
Service is not something Joel treats as a checklist item — it’s a natural extension of his belief in putting “good out in the world.” He’s drawn to projects where he can see the direct impact of his efforts, whether that’s helping families in need, mentoring youth, or supporting community development. His approach is hands-on, relational, and rooted in his belief that real change happens through personal connection.
Core Values in Action
The three core values Joel lives by are more than just personal mottos — they’re a framework for how he moves through life:
Never Dormant, Always Moving Forward: Joel is a lifelong learner. He believes in progress, in refining his skills, expanding his knowledge, and embracing new opportunities. Whether it’s mastering a new cooking technique, exploring a different wine region, or volunteering in a new capacity, Joel approaches life with energy and momentum.
Relationships First: From his relationship with Christ to his closest family bonds to professional connections and friendships, Joel invests deeply in relationships. He listens with intention, follows through on his commitments, and prioritizes quality time with the people who matter most.
Simply Put Good Out in the World: Joel believes that every interaction is a chance to make a positive impact, however small. A kind word, a shared meal, a helping hand — for him, these are the building blocks of a better world.
A Life in Harmony
What makes Joel’s life remarkable is not any single achievement or interest, but the way all the pieces fit together. His love of fine wine and food is intertwined with his commitment to relationships. His travels deepen his appreciation for the moments spent at home. His faith informs his generosity, and his values guide both his personal passions and his community involvement.
When Joel hosts a dinner, it’s not just about the menu — it’s about the way the evening draws people closer together. When he selects a bottle of wine, it’s not just about vintage or varietal — it’s about the shared experience it will create. When he volunteers his time, it’s not just about service — it’s about living out his belief that we are called to care for one another.
Looking Ahead
For Joel, the future is not something to be passively awaited — it’s something to be shaped. He dreams of expanding his wine collection, perhaps even visiting every major wine region in the world. He hopes to continue refining his cooking skills, experimenting with new recipes, and hosting gatherings that inspire connection. His travel bucket list grows longer each year, not just with places to see, but with people to meet and experiences to savor.
Through it all, Joel remains grounded in what matters most: his faith, his family, and his commitment to making the world a little better, one act of kindness, one shared meal, and one meaningful relationship at a time.
