Celia Welch

Winemaker, Barbour Wines

Celia Welch is one of North America's most highly regarded winemakers and has earned a reputation for crafting distinctive wines that express the individual qualities and characteristics of each vineyard.

As the daughter of an avid wine collector and home winemaker, Celia had an early introduction to wine appreciation and the elements of winemaking. She discovered her fascination with flavors and aromas, which inspired her to earn her degree in Enology from UC Davis. Afterward, she explored and worked in the wine regions of the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand and Australia.

She then settled in Napa Valley, and after spending several years working in notable wineries honing her skills, she became an independent winemaker working for such clients as Staglin Family Vineyard. Today, her client list consists of a select group of Napa Valley wineries, including Scarecrow, Keever Vineyards, Lindstrom, and Hollywood and Vine.

In the nearly three decades she has been making wine professionally, Celia has contributed greatly to the success of Napa Valley. We are privileged to have her as part of the Barbour Wines team.

Country born: United States

Education: Degree in Fermentation Science from UCD

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Harvesting when the berry flavors are bright and vibrant captures the essence of a particular vineyard's personality. Creating wines that reflect a particular corner of Napa Valley makes these wines not only unique, but also exquisitely balanced.