Ep 032 | A Recovering Scientist's Journey Into Winemaking

As a research scientist, Kristie Tacey, worked in laboratories all her life and worked on the Human Genome Project. But she wanted more and was introduced to the world of winemaking. In 2009 she started her winery, Tessier Winery, and began making her favorite variety, Pinot Noir. She is a one-woman show handling everything from harvest, to winemaking, to marketing and running the business. Today she makes many different wines from Viogner, to Cab Franc and continues to make her favorite Pinot Noir. Winery: http://bit.ly/2pJ011D Welcome Naming of the winery (French) Logo design, Science is Art Based out of Healdsburg Getting Started Born in Michigan, moved to California for school, fell in love with California Enjoyed the vineyards a lot The Wine- Vignette Taste, smell Russian River Valley Cold fermentation Food pairings Before Winemaking Research science to winemaking Biosciences, Berkeley Lab, Human Genome Project Moving to the private sector Work on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Leaving Science Less labwork, more data analysis Originally wanted a PhD. And become an astronaut Cousin introduced me to winemaking Also had an interest in botany "Recovering Scientist" Inspecting the Vines Learning the Pinot Noir process "Listen to the Grape" Weather impact Early Challenges Used own money to buy fruit Finding good pinot grapes Feeling behind, no other employees Types of Wines Started with Pinot Added others in 2011, 12 and 13 2015, added a Cabernet 2016, added 2 more wines Pinot Noir Big fan, cousin also enjoys it Rewarding to find a good one Testing Santa Cruz Mountains grapes Final Product Soil, elevations effect on the wine Granite soils Transition to Merlots Experimenting Whole Cluster, Foot Stomping Ageing process Barrel Selection Tastings Private tastings, events Collaborate with Chefs Food Compliments Contrast and enhance flavors White wine pairings Prices/ Where to Buy Everything available online Wine clubs Musical pairings Events As many as possible Various restaurants Contact info/ Wrap