Elizabeth Vianna

Last updated
Elizabeth Vianna
Born
Sao Paulo, Brazil [1]
EducationB.A. in Biology
M.Sc. in Fermentation Science, 1999
Alma mater Vassar College
University of California, Davis
OccupationWinemaker
Years active1999 - present
EmployerChimney 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]

Contents

Career

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

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References

  1. 1 2 3 CARL, TIM. "Rhythm and texture — the music of wine". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  2. ↑ "Take 5: Interview with Elizabeth Vianna - in the Mix Magazine". in the Mix Magazine. 2015-01-21. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  3. 1 2 Olken, Charles E.; Furstenthal, Joseph (2010-10-28). The New Connoisseurs' Guidebook to California Wine and Wineries. University of California Press. ISBN   9780520253131.
  4. ↑ Moran, Jan (2016-04-05). The Winemakers: A Novel of Wine and Secrets. St. Martin's Press. ISBN   9781466850033.
  5. 1 2 Wines, Brian (2012-11-16). "Winemaker in the Spotlight: Elizabeth Vianna - WineTable.com". WineTable.com. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Women Winemakers of California |Elizabeth Vianna". webpages.scu.edu. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  7. 1 2 Solutions, eWinery. "Chimney Rock - Winemaking Team". www.chimneyrock.com. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  8. ↑ Bon Appétit. Bon Appétit Publishing Corporation. January 2010.
  9. ↑ Ilona (2016-01-13). "Wednesdays with Winemakers - Elizabeth Vianna". PalateXposure. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  10. 1 2 "PBS looks through winemakers' eyes". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  11. ↑ "Experience 2012 Vintage with Women Winemakers of Napa & @terlatomedia on @PBS #wine". The Primlani Kitchen. 2015-02-03. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  12. ↑ Vintage: Napa Valley 2012 | WTTW Promos and Previews | PBS , retrieved 2017-12-11
  13. ↑ 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.
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