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California Cult Producer Grace Family Vineyards Hires New Winemaker
Tim Fish
Posted: June 12, 2001
Well-known California consultant Heidi Peterson Barrett is cutting back on her day-to-day winemaking duties at
Grace Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. Barrett will continue to consult for the winery, which produces one of California's most hotly collected cult Cabernet Sauvignons, while Gary Brookman steps in as part-time winemaker. Brookman, who has been with
Miner Family Vineyards since 1997, remains there as winemaker as well.
Barrett, one of Napa Valley's most influential winemakers, will continue making wine for several small, high-end wineries, including cult favorite Screaming Eagle, Jones Family, Paradigm, Showket and Lamborn Family. She is also a consultant at Diamond Creek Vineyards and has her own label, La Sirena.
"I'm trying to free up a little bit of time," said Barrett, 43. "My kids are getting older, and they need more of my time. I'm ready to let go of some of the cellar work. Grace Family was the most time-consuming job I had."
Barrett has been winemaker for Grace since January 1995. Dick Grace launched his label in 1983, with Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards as winemaker. He was later followed by Gary Galleron, who now runs his own Galleron Signature Wines.
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Learn more about Heidi Peterson Barrett:
Nov. 15, 1999
The Natural
