Premiere Napa Valley Live Auction

Derek Flegal

Winemaker, Tamber Bey

Calistoga native Derek Flegal was named winemaker for Tamber Bey Vineyards in June 2020 after two years in the Assistant Winemaker position. He began down his path toward a career in winemaking after working back-to-back harvests in St. Helena and Mendoza, Argentina in 2011 and 2012, respectively. With two harvests under his belt, he decided to further his education by studying Enology at Fresno State University. Upon completion in 2014, he took a cellar worker position at Outpost Wines, where he began his working relationship with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. From there, he spent three years at Jericho Canyon Vineyard, where he honed his cellar and laboratory skills and worked his way up to Assistant Winemaker. While there, he gained valuable experience by working alongside such renowned winemakers as Michel Rolland, Aaron Pott and Heidi Barrett. Flegal lived in Spain for 4 years and Argentina for a year, where he developed a love for travel, culture, and the great wines of the world.

Country born: United States

Education: Degree in enology from Fresno State University. He lived in Spain for 4 years and Argentina for a year, where he developed a love for travel, culture, and the great wines of the world. Mentors: Thomas Brown, Michel Rolland, Aaron Potts and Heidi Barrett

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
The ultimate goal is to create an authentic product that provides pleasure and elicits conversation. I do not want to impose my will or style on any particular wine, rather, I hope to interpret each site and coax out its true nature. I strive to make wines of purity and transparency, and hope that our wines bring people together and are passionately enjoyed.