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Andrew Schweiger

Winemaker, Schweiger Vineyards

Andrew Schweiger spent his early years in Sonoma County, California. He attended Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa where he was an accomplished musician, often performing with the Santa Rosa Symphony, Sonoma County Junior Symphony and numerous other musical groups.

Andrew gained a passion for winemaking early in life being surrounding by vineyards on the family property on Spring Mountain, high above St. Helena. While in high school, he spent summers working in a variety of capacities at local wineries, including Gloria Ferrer and ZD.

In 1988, Andrew started his formal training in winemaking at the University of California, Davis. While keeping a full schedule at school, he expanded his winemaking bag of tricks by working at various wineries, including Joseph Phelps and Trefethen Vineyards. Upon graduating with bachelor's degrees in fermentation science as well as microbiology and minors in viticulture and music performance, Schweiger set right to work at Chateau St. Jean, and a few years later at Cain Cellars.

When the time came in 1994 for Schweiger Vineyards to begin wine production, Andrew was able to balance his work load and oversee all the winemaking operations at Schweiger in addition to his full-time obligations. Finally, the big step forward came in 1999, when Schweiger Vineyards chose to stop selling fruit to other wineries, and Andrew took the leap to Schweiger Vineyards full time.

Andrew resides in St. Helena with his wife, Paula, and two children, Jerry and Megan. He continues to enjoy playing music, most notably with The California Repercussions. He also serves as consultant winemaker for Parry Cellars.

Country born: United States

Education: University of California, Davis

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Making great wine to enjoy