Aaron Pott

Winemaker, Saint Helena Winery

Pott took the position of Assistant Winemaker at Newton Vineyard where he worked with John Kongsgaard and Michel Rolland. Pott tried to convince Rolland to find him a job in France pulling hoses around a dark cellar and working on his language skills. Rolland soon sent word that he had found the ideal position, Winemaker at Chateau Troplong Mondot, Premier Grand Cru Classe, St. Emilion. Pott would thereafter become Winemaker and General Manager of Chateau La Tour Figeac Grand Cru Classe, St. Emilion.

Pott worked for nearly six years making wine in France before returning to the States to take a position with Beringer Wine Estates as the Winemaker for the company's international brands in France, Italy and South America. Pott's duties expanded in 2001 as winemaker at St. Clement in St. Helena. In 2004, he accepted the position as Winemaker and General Manager at Quintessa. In 2007, Pott formed Huis Clos Wines and is dedicated to consulting for a limited quantity of notable producers and producing his own wine, Pott Wine.

Country born: United States

Education: Aaron studied Fermentation Science Enology at the University of California, Davis. He completed his education with a masters degree in Viticulture from the University de Bourgogne in Dijon, France.

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Honors / Awards:
2012 Winemaker of the Year - Food & Wine Magazine

Winemaking Philosophy:
Aaron believes wines should reflect the terroir of their origin, as well as the art and character of the people behind them.

Elizabeth Tangney

Winemaker, Saint Helena Winery

Tangney earned her degree in Winemaking and Viticulture at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Her first experience farming was at Sterling Vineyards in Napa Valley. After graduation, she worked for L'Aventure in Paso Robles where she started in the tasting room and was mentored by owner and winemaker Stephane Asseo. Next she was hired by Eric Jensen, owner of Booker Vineyards, as Assistant Winemaker and Assistant Vineyard Manager. Like many ambitious young winemakers, Elizabeth worked a harvest abroad, in Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux. She returned to Northern California afterward to manage a 200 acre vineyard in Sonoma County, and worked one season in the cellar at Napa Valley's famous Bryant Family Vineyard before being hired as Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Saint Helena Winery in 2012.

Country born: United States

Education: BS Winemaking and Viticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Mentors include Aaron Pott, Helen Keplinger and Stephane Asseo. Elizabeth worked one harvest season in Saint Emilion, France.

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Great wines begin with careful cultivation of the vines, with balance and concentration of aromas and flavors in mind.