As Herzog Wine Cellars continues to expand and grow, changes have been made within the winemaking team to meet the increased demands. David Galzignato, the Director of Winemaking and Operations, has decided to reconfigure and expand the talent roster in the winemaking department.

The first change was the promotion of Alicia Wilbur from Assistant Winemaker to Production Winemaker. This new role allows Wilbur to have a more hands-on approach to the winemaking process at Herzog. Working closely with Galzignato, Wilbur began the search for new individuals to fill key winemaking roles in preparation for the challenging harvest in California.

The first position to be filled was that of Assistant Winemaker. Patrick Toomey, a Chicago native and University of Missouri alum, was selected for the task. Toomey gained experience and honed his skills in winemaking in both Oregon and New Zealand. However, it was in the Central Coast region of California where he truly established himself as a valuable member of any winemaking team. Toomey’s role is very hands-on, spending a majority of his time in the cellar, working closely with the rest of the team.

The next role to be filled was that of Enologist, or wine scientist. This position requires heavy lab work, constantly checking wines as they are being made to ensure optimal conditions and processes. Dorian Williams, a local from Ventura County, was the perfect candidate for this role. With a background in both Enology and Viticulture, Williams brings a combination of textbook knowledge and real-world experience to the job. He has worked at various wineries and gained valuable experience as a Cellar Master. The move to Enologist allows Williams to have a macro perspective on winemaking at Herzog while also dealing with the smallest of details.

With the core winemaking team now in place, supplemented by technological upgrades to the winery, Herzog Wine Cellars is ready to tackle the challenges that Harvest 2023 will bring.

Herzog Wine Cellars, a division of Royal Wine Corporation, is a California-based winery specializing in sustainable viniculture. With over 25 grape varieties in their award-winning wines, Herzog is known for brands like Baron Herzog and Jeunesse. The craftsmanship of their wines is attributed to a 150-year legacy of winemaking, passed down through nine generations. Led by Director of Winemaking and Operations, David Galzignato, Herzog continues to thrive and produce exceptional wines.

To learn more about Herzog Wine Cellars, you can connect with them on social media or visit their website at herzogwine.com.