by Duane Hoff   6 comments

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Heidi Barrett as our new winemaker. Hailed “The First Lady of Wine” by Robert Parker, Jr. for having received an unmatched four perfect 100 point scores, Heidi Barrett brings a level of esteem and winemaking experience unlike anyone else. With another 100 point score from the Wine Enthusiast, Heidi Barrett is the only winemaker ever to have received five perfect scores from the top wine critics in the country. When it comes to Napa cult wine, Wine & Spirits Magazine states that “Heidi Barrett is the reigning queen”. Fantesca Estate & Winery is Barrett’s first new project since leaving Screaming Eagle in 2006.

“I’m very excited to be the new winemaker for Fantesca Estate & Winery,” says Heidi Barrett. “The beautiful estate vineyard, with its mountainous, volcanic soils, has incredible potential. The wonderful fruit and fantastic quality of these grapes will no doubt make an extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon.”

In addition to being the new winemaker, Barrett will also have the ability to combine technology with her winemaking skills during this year’s harvest. We will be capturing the entire growing season with a unique series of bi-monthly high definition films. Heidi, Vineyard Manager Jim Barbour and owners Susan and Duane Hoff will chronicle the wine’s journey from bud break through harvest on Fantesca’s sister website, adopt a grape.

Visitors can chose to “adopt a grape” from one of Fantesca’s seven vineyard blocks. Adopters will receive films, photos, and written updates to keep them current on the progress of “their” grape. This program allows consumers with little or no wine knowledge to be a part of the winemaking experience in some way. Adopting a grape is free.

“Technology for technology’s sake, such as a static webcam, is truly boring,” says Susan Hoff. “Our hope is to incorporate technology in a way that brings people closer to their passions in life. That is worth doing and the Adopt a Grape program makes that a reality.” Here is the first video of the 2008 growing season: