Natalie West, Winemaker

She also has the distinct advantage of having been raised in Dry Creek Valley, where her parents have owned and operated a 10-acre, head pruned, old vine Zinfandel vineyard all of her life. Natalie speaks of suckering vines by the time she was a pre-teenager, because she enjoyed being in the vineyards with her parents. She attended UC Davis to become a medical doctor, leaving behind the work of her family and youth. Once embroiled in her studies, however, viticulture and oenology won her over.

Natalie began her winemaking career outside of her family vineyard by helping Fred Peterson for two harvests. When her father realized she was headed for a winemaking career, he planted Petite Sirah and Grenache as “Pet” projects. This gave Natalie the perfect elements needed as Foppiano’s winemaker. Natalie understands that great wines begin in the vineyards, and plans to work hand-in-hand with Paul Foppiano, Foppiano’s vineyard manager.