December 7th – (Napa – CALIF.) — Saintsbury is looking toward the future, announcing new leadership at the Napa Valley winery, while celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the winery’s founding and historic leadership in making wine in California.
Founded by the late Richard Ward and David Graves in 1981, Saintsbury continues their mission of making world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as a spirit of pioneering and exploration that has been integral to the foundation of the winery from the start.
After reflecting upon the late 1970s and early ‘80s in California wine as a magical time, David Graves announced his retirement, while toasting the next 40 years. David, has been serving as chairman of the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee and is active in other community endeavors.
“The celebration of Saintsbury’s 40th Anniversary is the perfect occasion for us to look forward, with deep respect and gratitude for our past. From long-time growers, to our winemaking and winery team, our customers and trade partners, we are grateful for so many people who are part of the Saintsbury family, and who have had an instrumental role in our progression,” said Partner Linda Reiff.
Trent Ward has been named the managing partner and Winemaker Tim Colla who has been with the winery for 11 years has been appointed as a partner at Saintsbury.
For my sister Philippa Ward and I, Saintsbury has almost always been a part of our lives,” Managing Partner Trent Ward added, I couldn’t be more proud of representing the legacy that my father and David have built, and am excited to carry on the tradition of the winery and everything that makes it special. We are also proud to welcome Tim Colla as a partner to the winery. He embraces the pioneering and creative spirit of Saintsbury and will lead us into the future.”
Winemaker Tim Colla reflected upon the many contributions to Saintsbury’s past success, I would be remiss in not referencing our history, because I feel that the future is so dependent and intertwined with the richness of the people that have contributed to Saintsbury over the years. I am proud to be part of this group and I am really excited after being here 11 years to look forward, expand the winemaking program with the addition of innovative varieties that enhance the Saintsbury brand, and guide the winery into the future.”
Many of Saintsbury’s past and current winemakers recently met privately with the owning partners and family members to commemorate the winery’s 40th anniversary, each representing a specific era: Bill Knuttel (1983-1996), Byron Kosuge (1996-2001), Jerome Chery (2004-2013), Chris Kajani (2013-2015) and Tim Colla (2015-present).
Winemaker Tim Colla carries on Saintsbury’s foundation in Carneros, as well as a newly-expanded winemaking program that has evolved to encompass many other exceptional California Pinot Noir regions, including the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, Monterey and now Santa Barbara appellations. Saintsbury’s estate vineyards, longstanding relationships with grapegrowers, and partnerships with new vineyards throughout California, are key to this evolution.
As legacy Napa Valley grapegrowers dedicated to the traditions of place, Saintsbury’s Home Ranch vineyard is being replanted based upon the rich knowledge gleaned over the past decades. A bolstered commitment to sustainably-grown and produced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as further exploration into interesting varieties such as Gamay and Chenin Blanc, speak to the renewed and fresh approach; the first Saintsbury Pét-Nat has recently been released and the inaugural Saintsbury Santa Barbara Pinot Noir will be released within the next year. For more information or to schedule a visit call 707.252.0592 or go to saintsbury.com.
