Santa Maria, CA – The Family-owned Thornhill Companies announces the addition of Lauren Barrett as new Blending Winemaker.
Sonoma County native Barrett joins the Thornhill Companies after spending time working and studying abroad, most recently in Australia where she conducted research at the Australian Wine Research Institute. A graduate of California University State Fresno, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Enology and worked aiding in sensory research, Barrett went on to receive her Master of Science in Enology and Viticulture from the Institut National d’études Supérieures Agronomiques de Montpellier, in the Vinifera Euromasters program.
Barrett’s interest and passion for wine has led her to work with a range of noteworthy companies, including Marcassin Vineyards, Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars, Siduri and Novy Family Wines in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and more recently, Domaine Chanson in Beaune, Burgundy. “Having worked internationally, I’ve encountered a variety of winemaking challenges, which have facilitated a wealth of personal growth and confidence as a winemaker” shares Barrett. “I look forward to applying my diverse skill set in my new role with the Thornhill Companies.”
“Lauren’s addition to the team will help Thornhill’s overarching plan to become recognized as one of the industry’s leading wine producers,” says Clay Brock, Director of Winemaking at the Thornhill Companies. “With her background and varied experience, we trust she’ll be a key asset to our team.”
The Thornhill Companies is the industry-leading umbrella brand of one of California’s premier winegrowing families, the Miller Family, who have been farming California’s Central Coast for five generations. The Thornhill Companies includes the prestigious Bien Nacido Estate vineyards and wines, Solomon Hills vineyard, J. Wilkes, Ballard Lane, Smashberry and Barrel Burner wines, French Camp vineyard in Paso Robles and custom crush facilities Central Coast Wine Services and Paso Robles Wine Services.
