Elizabeth Vianna | |
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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]
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]