Picture a South Dakota ranch boy turned Long Island winemaker, crafting canoes and a bestselling memoir—meet Trent Preszler! His journey from rugged heartland to coastal creativity weaves a tale of resilience, reconciliation, and the healing power of craftsmanship. Preszler’s story, especially in his acclaimed memoir Little and Often, captures the heart with its raw honesty and lyrical prose.
Born in 1977, Preszler’s life bridges the windswept plains and the sophisticated vineyards of New York, making him a unique voice in contemporary memoir. His work resonates with anyone who’s grappled with family ties or sought solace in creation. Let’s dive into his remarkable story!
The Making of Trent Preszler
Trent Preszler grew up on a sprawling cattle ranch near Faith, South Dakota, attending a one-room schoolhouse near the Standing Rock Reservation. Raised in a strict Lutheran household by a rodeo champion and Vietnam War veteran father, his early life was steeped in rural grit. Despite his love for the land, Preszler’s identity as a gay man set him apart in a conservative community, sparking a longing to explore beyond the plains.
His academic journey took him to Iowa State University (BS, 1998), followed by a Rotary Scholarship to the UK, a White House internship under President Bill Clinton, and advanced degrees from Cornell University (MS in agricultural economics, PhD in horticulture). By 2003, he was CEO of Bedell Cellars, a prestigious Long Island winery, where his 2009 Merlot graced Barack Obama’s inaugural luncheon. Yet, it was a personal loss that would shape his creative path.
Trent Preszler’s Unforgettable Stories
Preszler’s literary debut, Little and Often (2021), is a masterpiece of memoir, named a USA Today Best Book of the Year. The book chronicles his estrangement from his father, a cattle rancher who died of cancer in 2014, and Preszler’s unexpected inheritance: a worn toolbox. With no woodworking experience, he embarked on building a 20-foot wooden canoe, a year-long odyssey that mirrored his emotional journey toward forgiveness and self-discovery. Critics, including Elizabeth Gilbert, praised its lyrical depth, comparing it to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for its meditative exploration of craft and healing.
His writing style is both plain-spoken and poetic, reflecting his South Dakota roots and his refined life on Long Island. Preszler weaves vivid memories of ranch life—think dusty prairies and silent duck hunts—with the meticulous art of canoe-building. Themes of grief, identity, and the tension between heartland and coast shine through, making his work universally relatable yet deeply personal.
Beyond the page, Preszler’s Preszler Woodshop produces bespoke canoes, featured in Esquire, The Wall Street Journal, and a 2018 Emmy-winning Newsday documentary, Winemaker and Boatbuilder. While Little and Often remains his sole book, its impact and his ongoing craftsmanship cement his storytelling legacy.
Why Trent Preszler Matters
Trent Preszler’s influence lies in his ability to bridge worlds—rural and urban, tradition and individuality. His memoir resonates with readers navigating complex family dynamics or seeking purpose through creativity. By transforming grief into art, Preszler offers a roadmap for reconciliation, inspiring others to find meaning in their own stories. His work elevates the memoir genre, proving that small, methodical acts—like building a canoe—can lead to profound change.
In South Dakota, Little and Often was selected as the 2024 One Book South Dakota, sparking statewide discussions on family, loss, and resilience. Preszler’s story reminds us that authenticity and perseverance can turn personal struggles into universal triumphs.
- Born: 1977, South Dakota
- Key Work: Little and Often (2021)
- Awards: USA Today Best Book of 2021, 2018 New York Emmy for Winemaker and Boatbuilder
- Notable: CEO of Bedell Cellars, founder of Preszler Woodshop
Snag Little and Often and dive into Trent Preszler’s soulful memoir! It’s a heartfelt journey from ranch to river, perfect for anyone who loves stories of resilience and craft.