New Winemakers for Monterey and Central Coast Wineries

Jeff Morgan
Posted: February 8, 1999

Three winemakers have found new jobs in the current round-robin of winery hirings and firings.

Christian Roguenant, formerly of Maison Deutz -- the Central Coast bubbly house that was renamed Laetitia and then sold last year -- has moved to Edna Valley. There he will help the Niven family expand its small winery, Baileyana. (The Niven family, whose Paragon Vineyards is among the largest landowners of the region, also co-owns the new Central Coast label, Seven Peaks, with Australia's Southcorp wine company.)

Roguenant, a native of Champagne, France, has worked in California since 1986. In addition to making sparkling wine at Maison Deutz, he also made small amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, among other varietals. His focus at Baileyana will be Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Monterey-based Pavona, founded in 1995, has hired Aaron Mosley as its winemaker. Most recently, Mosley was general manager at Oakville Ranch in Napa Valley. Prior to that, he had worked at Chateau Montelena and Grgich Hills.

Pavona makes Pinot Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir, as well as a Zinfandel Port. Production has increased from an original 1,300 cases to 4,000 last year.

Also in Monterey County, Bernardus Winery has promoted its enologist of four years, Mark Chesebro, to winemaker. Chesebro will replace Don Blackburn, who left late last year.

Bernardus is best known for its red wine blend, Marinus, as well as a fine Sauvignon Blanc. Given Chesebro's prior experience at the winery, it is likely that fans of Bernardus will see little stylistic change in the wines to come.

Related stories:

November 23, 1998
California Vintner Leaves Prominent Monterey County Winery

August 5, 1998
Former Maison Deutz Sold Again