Wine Portfolio

Christine Barbe

Winemaker, Coquerel Family Wine Estates

Christine Barbe has always had a passion for Sauvignon Blanc. While a Ph.D. student in Enology at the Bordeaux Institute, she began making wine at Château Carbonnieux and La Louvière in Pessac-Léognan. For the next five years, she worked almost exclusively with Sauvignon Blanc, learning how to determine by taste the precise time to harvest the grapes to maximize the aroma and flavor of the wine.

Country born: France

Education: She holds a Ph.D. in Enology and Viticulture from the Bordeaux Institute and has extensive experience crafting Sauvignon Blanc—first in her native Bordeaux and now for more than 20 years in Napa Valley.

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Christine understands the importance of picking the best fruit at the right moment, making multiple passes through our vineyard to ensure that grapes are harvested at peak ripeness and balance. In the French tradition, she allows the vineyard to dictate the style of the wine..