April 22nd – Santa Barbara, CA – Grimm’s Bluff, a critically-acclaimed producer of Bordeaux-inspired varietal wines located in the Happy Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County, has announced two new crucial appointments to their team.
Samantha Grimm has been named General Manager of Grimm’s Bluff. Previously, Samantha distinguished herself as Chief Operating Officer of La Lieff Wines in San Luis Obispo County, California. In her new role, Samantha will oversee daily winery and vineyard operations, working closely alongside husband Henri Grimm, who has been appointed Director of Marketing and IT.
Previously, Henri was co-owner of Tech Doctors, a leader in IT services and computer repair in Santa Barbara County. After selling his portion of Tech Doctors to his business partner, Grimm joined the family business, which his parents, Rick and Aurora Grimm, founded in the mid-aughts.
Grimm’s Bluff Vineyard sits high atop an extreme bluff overlooking the Santa Ynez River at 850 feet above sea level. The 16.5-acre vineyard is CCOF-certified and Biodynamically-Farmed. The estate vineyard is a vital part of the Grimm’s Bluff ranch, 246 acres in total at the southeast corner of the Happy Canyon AVA. The ranch is also recognized for its olive oil, made from the estate’s organically farmed grove of five hundred Frantoio, Moraiolo and Leccino olive trees. The estate vineyard is planted to five clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, two clones of Sauvignon Blanc, and a tiny bit of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Biodynamic consultant Philippe Coderey, vineyard owner Rick Grimm, and a talented team of viticulturists studied the land for several months before planting the estate vineyard in 2012. No herbicides, pesticides, or artificial fertilizers have been used in this vineyard.
“I just really believe in the wines from Grimm’s Bluff; how they’re grown and the organic and biodynamic practices that are applied. Henri and his parents have a lot of integrity and I’m excited to build upon their vision, especially as it relates to their customers, which they really value,” says Samantha.
Henri Grimm, who moved with his parents, Rick and Aurora, from Monaco to Santa Barbara in 2007, has practically grown up at the estate. “I’m mostly interested in getting to know our customers and what matters to them. We’re implementing new customer experiences that we hope will provide them with opportunities to commune with the nature here and enjoy our wines in ways that are relaxing and informative.”
“Aurora and I are truly thrilled and honored to welcome these two young family members to our team,” says Rick Grimm. “Their fresh perspectives and talents are already making a significant impact on our small operation. We believe Henri and Samantha will pave the way for growth and progress at Grimm’s Bluff. The changes we’ve seen in such a short time are truly promising, and we can’t help but be excited about the future of Grimm’s Bluff.”
Grimm’s Bluff receives customers at their tasting room, located in the small township of Los Olivos, California, and at their estate, in the Happy Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County wine country. To learn more about Grimm’s Bluff, please visit www.grimmsbluff.com.
