Chris Carpenter

Winemaker, La Jota Vineyard Co.

Chris Carpenter is the winemaker for some of Napa Valley's most prestigious wineries, including Cardinale, Lokoya, La Jota and Mt. Brave. He has earned a reputation for taming Napa mountain tannins and creating legendary Cabernet Sauvignon. He believes in maximum attention in the vineyards and minimal intervention in the winery to create the purest expression of place.

Country born: United States

Education: BS in biology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago
Master in viticulture and enology from UC Davis

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
I believe in paying the utmost attention to the vineyards and practicing minimal intervention in winery.