St. Helena, Napa Valley, Aug. 24, 2022 — Newton Vineyard is proud to share that Head of Viticulture Laura Deyermond has been selected by Wine Enthusiast as one of the 2022 Future 40, which it describes as “a list of tastemakers who inspire innovation and are bringing the drinks business into the future.” “It’s an amazing honor to be included by Wine Enthusiast in the company of such creative, respected individuals,” says Deyermond.
Deyermond was recognized for her vision and leadership of Newton’s journey to restore its historic Spring Mountain vineyard from the extensive damage suffered in the 2020 Glass Fire, which included the loss of all but five acres. With the now-obvious realities of climate change, drought and wildfires in mind, Deyermond is using the knowledge gained over Newton’s 40+ years of farming the estate to implement a 10-year replant plan and is consulting with experts for rootstocks and clones that have more drought tolerance.
The replant has begun but will take time. For example, Deyermond is using 420A, which is a slow-growing rootstock but tends to have more refined tannins than what some of the other drought-resistant rootstocks provide. “We’re going for quality over quantity,” she explains. “Taking our time, being methodical and farming organically. We want to build a legacy instead of a quick replant. We are looking forward to a bright future for Newton.”
About Newton Vineyard
Newton Vineyard was founded in 1977 by English businessman Peter Newton, an eclectic innovator with a pioneering spirit and a deep respect for nature. Peter’s ambitious quest was to create mountain wines that embrace contrasts, delivering a classic freshness and precision while inviting the supple ripeness that Napa’s climate offers. Peter left the valley floor to plant new vineyards on Spring Mountain’s steep hillsides, whose volcanic, well-draining soils would deliver a distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon expression. He also explored Carneros, where the influence of the sea would shape a multidimensional Chardonnay. To unlock the terroir’s full potential, Peter turned to a time-honored Burgundian technique: Unfiltered winemaking. Committed to sustainable practices from the beginning, Newton now has CCOF organic certification for three of its estate vineyards. Part of the LVMH portfolio since 2001, Newton continues to champion mountain vineyards and their unfiltered, truthful terroir expression.
