Barrett Joins Winemaker Sarah Vandendriessche as of the 2022 vintage
RUTHERFORD, CA (AUGUST 30, 2022) – Heidi Peterson Barrett, renowned Napa Valley Winemaker, has joined Elizabeth Spencer Winery as Consulting Winemaker, beginning with the 2022 vintage. She will be working closely with Winemaker Sarah Vandendriessche, who joined Elizabeth Spencer in 2010 as Winemaker.
Barrett has made many of the Napa Valley’s most sought-after and cult classic wines. Known as the “First Lady of Wine”, she was responsible for the creation of Screaming Eagle (from 1992 to 2006), Dalla Valle Maya, and the Dalla Valle Cabernets in the late 80s and early 90s. While she is best known for her perfectly balanced, elegant, and age-worthy Cabs, she has gained an international following for her winemaking skill and artistry across many different varietals. Among a lengthy list of past and present clients, her personal hall of fame includes her own La Sirena wines, Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, Vin Perdu, Fantesca, Kenzo Estate, Showket, Paradigm, Lamborn, Jones, and Revana. Wine after wine, year after year, Heidi has established herself as a true artist of winemaking who excels in shaping her wines into something extraordinary.
“I am delighted to join this dynamic team of enthusiastic talented wine professionals. I hope to build on what has come before and elevate these wines to their ultimate potential,” said Barrett. “I’m honored to join the team.”
“To collaborate with Heidi to elevate Elizabeth Spencer is a dream… We have long-admired her extraordinary leadership in Napa Valley and immensely enjoyed her stunning personality,” said Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset. “Together, we strive to bring the great wines of Elizabeth Spencer to a new dimension – elegance, balance, style and compelling grace – from a team of fabulous and inspiring women taking the wine world to a new stratosphere. Barrett will add balance, texture, and a new sense of style and sophistication to our collection.”
Elizabeth Spencer Winery became a part of the Boisset Collection of wineries in 2021, including a portfolio of small-production wines from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino, and its location on the Rutherford Cross Road, where the historic 1872 Post Office building welcomes guests into a boutique tasting room, outdoor gardens, and studio. Welcoming Barrett as Consulting Winemaker marks the first of many enhancements to the Rutherford property since joining the Boisset Collection, with more to be announced soon.
Under Boisset’s ownership, Elizabeth Spencer’s will deepen its focus on Rutherford terroir, while embracing the spirit of discovery that has always been its hallmark – from unique varietals to new AVAs, and continue its emphasis on wines made from organically-grown grapes in line with its history and Boisset’s commitment. A revitalization of the estate property at Rutherford Cross has begun under Boisset’s vision to bring energy, depth of experience and elevated tastings to the iconic location.
ABOUT ELIZABETH SPENCER
Founders, and husband-and-wife team, Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham each fell in love with wine independently and embarked on lifelong careers in the wine industry before ever meeting. After they married, they pursued their vision together and established their bonded winery in 1998 naming it after each of them—Elizabeth and Spencer—to reflect their committed partnership. Elizabeth Spencer Winery is the realization of their dream. Their winery was built based on the importance of strong relationships, starting with their own dynamic personal and professional bond, and extending outward to their important network of growers, employees, and ultimately to their customers.
At the crossroads of Rutherford, the undisputed “heart” of Napa Valley, Rutherford, CA (Pop. 525), Elizabeth Spencer is an iconic destination rooted in history and strategically located on Hwy 29 between Yountville and St. Helena. Seeking a destination in Rutherford builds upon Boisset’s interest in Napa Valley, where it boasts wineries and destinations in Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, and coming soon, downtown Napa.
ABOUT BOISSET COLLECTION
Boisset is a family-owned collection of historic and unique wineries and lifestyle destinations bound together by a common cause: authentic, terroir-driven wines in harmony with their history, their future and the land and people essential to their existence. With more than twenty-six historical and prestigious still and sparkling wineries in the world’s preeminent terroirs, including Burgundy, Beaujolais, Jura, the Rhône Valley, the south of France, and California’s Russian River Valley and the Napa Valley. Its California wineries include: DeLoach Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, and JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset. Its French properties feature: Domaine de la Vougeraie, Jean-Claude Boisset, Bouchard Aîné et Fils, J. Moreau et Fils, Louis Bouillot, Domaine Maire, Fortant, and Bonpas. Each house retains its unique history, identity, and style, and all are united in the pursuit of fine wines expressive of their terroir. Wine is at the center of Boisset’s mission and is complemented by spirits, beer, gourmet foods, and luxury goods. Boisset has long championed certified sustainable, organic, and Biodynamic® practices at its estates in Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and France, and Elizabeth Spencer aligns with the same commitment. Both wineries equally champion the leadership of women in the world, respect for history, and commitment to conviviality as a core value. Boisset is well-regarded for being an advocate for American wine history including its restoration of Buena Vista Winery, Oakville Grocery, and the Calistoga Depot, in addition to its two museums celebrating the history of wine – at Buena Vista Winery and the 1881 Napa Museum at the Oakville Wine Merchant.
To learn more about the Boisset Collection, please visit our website.
