Heidi Barrett
Heidi Peterson Barrett | |
|---|---|
| Born | Berkeley, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of California, Davis (B.S. in Fermentation Science, 1980) |
| Occupation(s) | Vintner, businesswoman, winemaker |
| Known for | Producing prestigious California cult wines; winemaker at Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Paradigm Winery, Grace Family Vineyards, Amuse Bouche, Lamborn Family, Showket Vineyards, Revana Family Vineyards, Vineyard 29, Fantesca Estate & Winery; founder of La Sirena |
| Spouse | Bo Barrett |
| Children | 2 (Remi and Chelsea) |
Heidi Peterson Barrett is a distinguished American vintner and businesswoman celebrated for producing some of California's most prestigious cult wines. Throughout her career, she has held significant positions at renowned wineries including Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Paradigm Winery, Grace Family Vineyards, Amuse Bouche, Lamborn Family, Showket Vineyards, Revana Family Vineyards, Vineyard 29, and Fantesca Estate & Winery. In addition to these roles, Barrett offers consulting services to Elizabeth Spencer and manages her own wine label, La Sirena.
Early years and education
Barrett was born in Berkeley, California, as the daughter of Richard Peterson, a well-known winemaker associated with E & J Gallo Winery and Beaulieu Vineyards under the mentorship of Andre Tchelistcheff. She completed her primary education in Modesto before moving to Napa Valley. In 1980, she graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fermentation Science, standing out as one of only four women among thirty graduates in her class.
Career
Following internships in both German and Australian wine sectors, Barrett assumed the role of head winemaker at Buehler Vineyards in 1983 at just 25 years old. She departed from Buehler in 1988 to pursue winemaking consultancy, beginning with Dalla Valle as her inaugural client. Partnering with owner Gustav Dalla Valle, she achieved her first pair of perfect 100-point ratings from Robert Parker of Wine Advocate.
Building on her accomplishments at Dalla Valle, Barrett collaborated with Jean Phillips of Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley. Phillips, who had previously been Dalla Valle's real estate agent, engaged Barrett on a part-time basis. The winery experienced rapid growth during the early 1990s, and by the release of the 1992 vintage, Barrett had earned recognition as a leading figure in winemaking.
She subsequently took on the role of winemaker for Ren Harris at Paradigm Winery, further elevating her professional standing. As her children matured, Barrett increased her dedication to crafting wines.
Her wines have received five perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker, who has honored her with the titles "The First Lady of Wine" and "the Queen of Cult Cabernet."
Personal life
Heidi Barrett is married to Bo Barrett, the winemaker at Chateau Montelena. They are parents to two daughters named Remi and Chelsea. Beyond her career in viticulture, she pursues interests such as scuba diving, painting, and piloting helicopters.