Hailed “The First Lady of Wine” by Robert Parker, Jr. for having received an unmatched four perfect 100 point scores, Heidi Barrett brings a level of esteem and winemaking experience unlike anyone else. With another 100 point score from the Wine Enthusiast, Heidi Barrett is the only winemaker ever to have received five perfect scores from the top wine critics in the country. When it comes to Napa cult wine, Wine & Spirits Magazine states that “Heidi Barrett is the reigning queen”. Fantesca Estate & Winery is Barrett’s first new project since leaving Screaming Eagle in 2006.
“I’m very excited to be the new winemaker for Fantesca Estate & Winery,” says Heidi Barrett. “The beautiful estate vineyard, with its mountainous, volcanic soils, has incredible potential. The wonderful fruit and fantastic quality of these grapes will no doubt make an extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon.”
In addition to being the new winemaker, Barrett will also have the ability to combine technology with her winemaking skills during this year’s harvest. Fantesca Estate & Winery will be capturing the entire growing season with a unique series of bi-monthly high definition films. Winemaker Heidi Barrett, Vineyard Manager Jim Barbour and owners Susan and Duane Hoff will chronicle the wine’s journey from bud break through harvest on Fantesca’s sister website, www.adoptagrape.org.
Visitors can chose to “adopt a grape” from one of Fantesca’s seven vineyard blocks. Adopters will receive films, photos, and written updates to keep them current on the progress of “their” grape. This program allows consumers with little or no wine knowledge to be a part of the winemaking experience in some way. Adopting a grape is free.
“Technology for technology’s sake, such as a static webcam, is truly boring,” says Susan Hoff. “Our hope is to incorporate technology in a way that brings people closer to their passions in life. That is worth doing and the Adopt a Grape program makes that a reality.”
About Fantesca Estate & Winery
Founded in 2004, Fantesca Estate & Winery is owned and operated by Susan and Duane Hoff, a husband-wife team from the Midwest with a combined 38 years of marketing and retail growth experience with Best Buy. Fantesca Estate is dedicated to producing 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and has received a number of accolades by Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast. A boutique winery located in Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain District one mile above St. Helena, Fantesca Estate creates distinctive wines rich with allure and character.
