(January 30, 2023; Yountville, CA) – Craig Becker, general manager, co-founder and director of winemaking of Priest Ranch, a Napa Valley producer of premium estate-grown wines, is pleased to announce that Cody Hurd has been appointed winemaker. Previously assistant winemaker, Cody has been part of Priest Ranch’s vineyard and cellar team since 2010 and has played an instrumental role in creating its signature portfolio.
Bringing over a decade of experience working with Priest Ranch at Somerston Estate, the winery’s 1,682-acre estate in the eastern hills of Napa’s Vaca Mountains range, Cody has intricate knowledge of each individual vineyard block. Working under Craig Becker’s direction, he develops all winemaking protocols and oversees production while managing the longtime cellar crew. As winemaker, his focus is maintaining a portfolio of distinctive wine blends that are reflective of the full diversity of the vineyard.
“Cody has been a part of Priest Ranch’s journey from the beginning, and embodies our values,” says Craig Becker. “I greatly respect him as not just an incredibly talented winemaker but also as a leader to our longtime cellar and vineyard team, who are like family.”
A native of Washington State, Cody relocated to Napa Valley in 2009, and was invited to join Priest Ranch’s cellar team in 2010. Mentored by Craig Becker, he worked his way up over the next ten years to cellar master, assistant winemaker, and associate winemaker.
“Joining Priest Ranch at an early phase in its evolution allowed me to grow alongside our estate,” explains Cody. “I want our wines to be an expression of this land and its heritage. My job is to work alongside our amazing team to bring out the unique characteristics of the property.”
Visitors looking to experience Priest Ranch wines and an array of tasting experiences may visit the tasting room located in the heart of downtown Yountville. Both reservations and walk-ins are available from 10am-6pm daily. For more information, please visit: www.priestranchwines.com/
About Priest Ranch
Established in 2007, Priest Ranch is a producer of premium wines reflective of the full diversity of the 1,682-acre Somerston Estate in Napa Valley’s eastern Vaca range. Consisting of two valleys, Elder Valley to the west, and Soda Valley to the east, the estate is planted to 236 acres of vines across 17 distinct vineyard sites and 140 unique blocks. With elevations spanning 800 to 1,650 ft., its wide variety of elevations, exposures, soils and microclimates form the foundation of Priest Ranch’s collection of unexpected proprietary blends and Bordeaux varietal wines. Under the direction of co-founder, general manager and director of winemaking, Craig Becker, and the experienced winemaking, vineyard management and hospitality team, the collective focus centers on celebrating a rich agricultural heritage through leadership-driven viticulture and viniculture practices, cultivated experiences, and the pursuit of becoming the next great wine estate.
Located in the heart of downtown Yountville, travelers and locals alike may visit the Priest Ranch tasting room to appreciate a selection of wines in a lively setting while also having the opportunity to enjoy an array of experiences such as food and wine pairings, live music and more.
For details on Priest Ranch, visit www.priestranchwines.com.
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