Newton Vineyard Names Chris Millard Winemaker
2008-05-06 23:56:59 -
- Newton Vineyard announces that Chris Millard joined Newton Vineyard as Winemaker yesterday. In this role, Chris oversees the production of the winery's highly acclaimed wines, including the Unfiltered Chardonnay and its Bordeaux-style red wines from the estate on Spring Mountain in St. Helena.
Chris brings valuable experience in both large and small winery operations, but prefers to craft premium wines that delight the palate while respecting the source from which they come. This concept is perfectly suited to Newton Vineyard; its hillside estate is planted to 112 separate blocks on 120 acres. Abiding by the "Nature by Design" philosophy, Millard will continue a legacy of respecting Nature along every step of the winemaking process - from meticulous farming, hand-picking, fermenting naturally with indigenous yeast and bottling wines unfiltered whenever possible. The custom-designed winery allows Millard to preserve the individual vineyard characteristics which will provide a diverse palette for blending.
Millard joins Newton Vineyard from Sterling Vineyards, where he was Senior Winemaker. This is an interesting parallel, given that Peter and Su Hua Newton founded Sterling Vineyards in the 1960's and sold it before creating Newton Vineyard in 1977. Millard has also made wine at various wineries including Bernardus in Carmel Valley. He received his education in Enology from California State University, Fresno.
Chris Millard will report to Chris Munsell, Estate Director for both Domaine Chandon and Newton Vineyard. In this newly created role, Chris Munsell oversees and maintains full responsibility for Winemaking, Winegrowing and Operations for both LVMH-owned properties. Munsell joined the company in June 2007 as Operations Winemaker after working at Beam Wine Estates. Previous experience during his 12 year tenure there included roles as Operations Manager, Winemaker and Enologist. Chris also has work experience at various wineries in Australia, France, and California, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis, in Fermentation Science, Viticulture, and Enology.
ABOUT NEWTON VINEYARD:
Newton Vineyard was established in 1977, the vision of founders Peter and Su Hua Newton, who recognized the potential of Spring Mountain as a prime viticultural region. Newton Vineyard is acclaimed for both its pioneering spirit and for the purity and exceptional quality of its wines as they reflect the region's terroir. Newton Vineyard's "Nature by Design" philosophy is reflected in all aspects of Newton Vineyard, from the terraced vineyards and organic winery design to the sustainable farming techniques and meticulous winemaking practice.
Domaine Chandon
Lara Abbott, 707-204-7620
lara_abbott@chandon.com
