Santa Barbara, CA – March 26, 2025 – Margerum Wine Company is pleased to bestow the title of Head Winemaker to Robert Daugherty. Robert, who has been leading winemaking at Margerum for the past two years working alongside with Doug Margerum, is uniquely qualified for the position. Under Daugherty’s direction, Margerum has continued its tradition of excellence while exploring new innovations including their newest release, Fizzy Riv, a sparkling Grenache Rose.
Robert’s understanding and interest in winemaking developed at an early age while working alongside his aunt and uncle, Diana and Rick Longoria, owners and winemakers of Longoria Wines, one of Santa Barbara County’s legendary wineries. Under their mentorship, he learned the art and appreciation of crafting elegant, handcrafted, and food-friendly wines. After graduating college, Robert lived in Europe, where he further honed his passion and appreciation for global wines. Robert then moved to New Zealand for two harvests, where he learned larger-scale winemaking practices. Upon returning to California, he spent four years with Dierberg / Star Lane on their cellar and viticulture team. After working with fruit from the appellations of Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills, and Santa Maria Valley, he then joined Winc as a start-up and helped significantly grow this business to its present size.
With more than 15 years in the wine industry, Daugherty has built a reputation for crafting wines of exceptional quality. His career has included key roles at renowned wineries, where he honed his skills in vineyard management, fermentation techniques, and blending artistry. His approach aligns perfectly with Margerum Wine Company’s philosophy of producing handcrafted, site-driven wines that reflect the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert to our team, and I look forward to working with him” said Doug Margerum, founder and owner of Margerum Wine Company. “His depth of knowledge and dedication to precision winemaking will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our wines and showcase the remarkable potential of our region.”
Daugherty expressed his enthusiasm about joining Margerum Wine Company, stating, “I have long admired the wines produced here, and I’m excited to work alongside this talented team. My goal is to honor the legacy of Margerum wines while bringing fresh ideas that further enhance quality and innovation.”
As Margerum Wine Company embarks on this new chapter, wine enthusiasts can anticipate a continued commitment to excellence under Daugherty’s leadership and Doug’s mentorship. His influence is expected to bring exciting developments to the winery’s portfolio, reinforcing Margerum’s standing as a premier producer in the Santa Barbara wine scene.
