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Thomas Rivers Brown

Winemaker, Hestan Vineyards

Since moving to Napa Valley from Sumter, South Carolina in 1996, Brown has established himself as one of Napa's most exciting winemakers.

After three years as assistant winemaker to Ehren Jordan at Turley, he went out on his own as a consulting winemaker in 2000. His first two clients, Outpost and Chiarello, are now part of an impressive portfolio that includes: Maybach, Schrader and his own label, Rivers Marie.

Brown's no-holds-barred approach to making uncompromising wines has resulted in effusive praise from the wine press, including unprecedented double 100 point scores from the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker.

In 2009 Thomas joined the Hestan Vineyards winemaking team, taking over production of the winery's critically acclaimed Hestan Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Country born: United States

Education: On-the-job experience under excellent mentors

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Non-interventionist, allowing the terroir of the vineyard to be fully expressed in the resulting wines.