Elizabeth Vianna
Elizabeth Vianna | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Education | B.A. in Biology M.Sc. in Fermentation Science, 1999 |
| Alma mater | Vassar College University of California, Davis |
| Occupation | Winemaker |
| Years active | 1999 - present |
| Employer | Chimney Rock |
Elizabeth Vianna is a female winemaker and businesswoman who has been responsible for some of California's most notable Cabernet wines.[2][3] She is one of America's few Latina winemakers,[1] known for Bordeaux-style wines at Chimney Rock, a part of Terlato Wine Group.[4][3]
Career[edit]
Vianna came to the wine world by happenstance. She studied biology in undergrad at Vassar College in New York and worked as a clinical toxicologist after completing her undergraduate education.[5] While living in New York City an working in New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, she tasted a glass of 1985 Sociando Mallet while at an auction at Chrisie's Auction House.[6]
This newfound appreciation for wine led her to apply to the University of California, Davis for a masters program in winemaking.[7] While in school, Vianna began an internship at Chimney Rock.[5] When she graduated in 1999, Vianna became an enologist at that Napa company, and was named assistant winemaker there in 2002.[6] She then advanced to the position of winemaker in 2005.[1]
In 2011, Vianna was promoted to General Manager of the winery, while continuing in her role as head winemaker of this Stags Leap District estate enterprise.[8]
Over time, Vianna worked with California's top winemakers, including Heidi Barrett, Erin Green, Pam Starr, and Celia Welch.[6]
In 2009, Vianna was honored by the UC, Davis School of Graduate Studies when she was invited to deliver the commencement speech to the class of 2009.[9] She is frequently selected for tasting panels and judging wine competitions.[6][7]
In 2012, PBS filmed Vianna's work at Chimney Rock for a six-part TV series titled Vintage.[10][11] The show took viewers behind-the-scenes at three Napa Valley wineries during the 2012 harvest season.[10][12]
In 2017, Vianna's vines were almost affected by the October northern California wildfires.[13]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c CARL, TIM. "Rhythm and texture — the music of wine". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ "Take 5: Interview with Elizabeth Vianna - in the Mix Magazine". in the Mix Magazine. 2015-01-21. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ a b Olken, Charles E.; Furstenthal, Joseph (2010-10-28). The New Connoisseurs' Guidebook to California Wine and Wineries. University of California Press. ISBN 9780520253131.
- ^ Moran, Jan (2016-04-05). The Winemakers: A Novel of Wine and Secrets. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 9781466850033.
- ^ a b Wines, Brian (2012-11-16). "Winemaker in the Spotlight: Elizabeth Vianna - WineTable.com". WineTable.com. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ a b c d "Women Winemakers of California |Elizabeth Vianna". webpages.scu.edu. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ a b Solutions, eWinery. "Chimney Rock - Winemaking Team". www.chimneyrock.com. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ Bon Appétit. Bon Appétit Publishing Corporation. January 2010.
- ^ Ilona (2016-01-13). "Wednesdays with Winemakers - Elizabeth Vianna". PalateXposure. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ a b "PBS looks through winemakers' eyes". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ "Experience 2012 Vintage with Women Winemakers of Napa & @terlatomedia on @PBS #wine". The Primlani Kitchen. 2015-02-03. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
- ^ Vintage: Napa Valley 2012 | WTTW Promos and Previews | PBS, retrieved 2017-12-11
- ^ Romano, Aaron (2017-10-09). "Massive Wildfires Devastate Parts of Napa and Sonoma County, Burning Wineries and Vineyards | News | News & Features | Wine Spectator". WineSpectator.com. Retrieved 2017-12-11.