Premiere Napa Valley Live Auction

Andrew Holve

Winemaker, Newton Vineyard

Born in Sebastopol, Andrew Holve’s California roots run deep. “My family has been in California a long time,” he notes. “My great-grandparents were orange farmers in Anaheim in the early 20th century.”

Farming was something the family did together as a hobby. “We planted a small vineyard in my yard—I was making wine at 10 years old.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern California in 2009, Andrew joined Americorps, where he worked on a wide range of hands-on projects and discovered that he enjoyed working with his hands, being outdoors and creating things.

Back home in Sonoma County, Andrew’s many friends in the wine business often encouraged him to join them. “Although I grew up around wine, I hadn’t realized until then how strong an affinity I had for the work itself—I love the combination of science and the outdoors.”

To gain experience before embarking on his formal studies, Andrew worked with several crush crews in Sonoma and in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

In 2013, he enrolled at University of California-Davis, graduating with a master’s degree in viticulture and enology in June 2015. He also worked in the labs and cellars of several prestigious Sonoma wineries including MacRostie Winery and California icon Ridge Vineyards.

Andrew joined Newton in August 2015. He was promoted to Head of Winemaking in July 2021.

At Newton, Andrew brings together his experiences working at vastly different and international wineries with a proudly local sensibility.

“I’m Californian, I grew up around these mountains. I want to continue to showcase the distinctiveness of our mountain terroir, which delivers a lively balance of bright freshness and ripe Napa fruit. Ultimately the environment shapes these vines, and I nurture and allow them time to make a wine that spotlights and stands true to the Napa Valley," he said.

"It’s been pretty special being at Newton because there are not a lot of wineries that have vineyards from elevations of 1,800 feet, with all of these different exposures and aspects. I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the history of one of Napa Valley’s most historic and highly acclaimed wineries.”

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 6 years