Tom Hinde

Winemaker, Yao Family Wines

One of the most experienced wine industry experts in California, Tom Hinde has extensive expertise in all facets of the wine business, from vineyard cultivation to winery management and hands-on artisan winemaking. His broad skill set has been instrumental in the success of Yao Family Wines.

Under Tom's direction, Yao Family Wines has garnered prestigious recognition globally including top honors from Robb Report China's Robb Choice Best of the Best 2012 where exceptional brands are celebrated for offering the best products in their industries, and a nomination from Wine Enthusiast magazine for 2012 American Winery of the Year following the extraordinary scores of 97 points for the 2009 Yao Ming Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 95 points for the 2009 Yao Ming Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tom's impressive resume spans over three decades with prior posts at some of California's most acclaimed wineries: from 2005 to 2010, Tom was President, CEO and Director of Winemaking for Flowers Vineyard and Winery, a specialty Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer located on the Sonoma Coast.

From 1997 to 2005, Tom was General Manager for Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates and helped develop two famed Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon programs as part of the winemaking teams for Lokoya and Cardinale. Additionally, Tom supported the winemaking team at Stonestreet Winery and launched the world-renowned Verite Estate.

For seven years, Tom was General Manager at La Crema and Hartford Family Winery where he helped build La Crema into one of Sonoma County's most prominent wine producers.

Country born: USA

Education: Kendall Jackson, Lokoya, Flowers Vineyard & Winery, La Crema

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Yao Family Wines sources the grapes for its Yao Ming Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from prestigious Napa Valley vineyards with a reputation for excellent fruit and selects individual blocks to blend for flavor and texture in its world-class wines. The vineyards are located from north to south along the Napa Valley, where the variation in climate and soils provide the grapes with distinct characteristics that add complexity to the final blend. The grapes are fermented using artisan winemaking techniques and are aged up to 18 months in 100% French oak barrels. Only the best lots were used in the final blend.