Wine Portfolio

Elizabeth Vianna

Winemaker, Chimney Rock Winery

My experience as a winemaker began with two wonderful internships, the first at Trefethen Vineyards and the second at Chimney Rock Winery, more than a decade ago. I then went on to Napa Wine Company for a few years as lab director and assistant winemaker, where I learned much from some amazing winemakers in this valley. I was fortunate enough to work closely with Heidi Barret, Celia Macyzek, Erin Green and Pam Starr, among many other inspiring women in wine. I then returned to Chimney Rock as assistant winemaker in 2002 and was eventually promoted to winemaker.

Country born: Brazil

Education: Masters degree in enology U.C. Davis

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Honors / Awards:
Commencement speaker, University of California-Davis School of Graduate Studies, 2009

Winemaking Philosophy:
My goal is to create wines with great texture and to have those wines represent the vineyards from which they are born. The tactile experience is just as important as the aroma and flavor. More specifically, my goal as winemaker at Chimney Rock is to highlight and honor the strengths of the amazing Cabernet we grow in Stags Leap District.