Wine Portfolio

Todd Heth

Winemaker, Fairwinds Estate Winery

Todd gained a passion for wine while working as a journalist in Hungary and traveling through Europe. Instead of buying a small vineyard as a hobby, he returned to his native California to pursue a degree in viticulture and enology at Fresno State University, doing work and research at the university and regional vineyards and then moving to Napa Valley. He began in the cellar and lab as an intern at Cuvaison Estate Wines, eventually assuming the role of associate winemaker and working with a number of smaller producers in custom production and consulting, from the vineyard through to sales. He now serves as winemaker for Fairwinds Estate Winery and Valley Floor Vineyard.

Country born: USA

Education: Postbaccalaureate degree, Enology and Viticulture, California State University, Fresno, Deans List, Presidents List
Wine Spectator and American Society of Enology and Viticulture scholarships
Writer/editor for newspapers, magazines about wine in Hungary (1997-1999).
Extensive background in old world wine practices including travels to wineries in France, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary.

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Honors / Awards:

Winemaking Philosophy:
We are proud to make limited production, hand crafted wines at Fairwinds Estate Winery. There's a seasonality to the winemaking process and also the elegant craft of making wine that makes it enjoyable. The artisanship from the beginning to the end and all of the quality control along the way is extremely rewarding and important. By making sure that wines are evolving and developing well during the process, we can help ensure a fabulous result.