Joseph Phelps: Personnel Corner

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Personnel Corner:

Sarah Gott Appointed Winemaker

On February 15, Craig Williams announced the promotion of Sarah Gott, assistant winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, to winemaker in charge
of all wine production. Craig, who has held the position of winemaker since 1983, explained that the move will allow both him and Sarah to implement long-range plans that include developing new estate vineyards and further enhancing the winemaking program. "Sarah's work has measurably enhanced the quality and consistency of our wines," Craig explained, "and I look forward to her contribution in continuing to push the envelope at Phelps — the results are sure to be exciting."

For the last two years Craig has been in charge of overseeing two new vineyard projects as well as drawing up plans for remodeling and renovating the winery on the home ranch near St. Helena. "Although I will continue to oversee the winemaking process, Sarah has been in charge of the day-to-day operations for sometime now, and it seemed both logical and fair to give her the title of winemaker." Craig's new title will be Director of Winemaking.

Sarah graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1993 with a degree in fermentation science and had prior work experience through internships at Gloria Ferrer and Pelkan Ranch and Vineyard Co. She first joined Joseph Phelps Vineyards during the 1993 harvest as an associate enologist. In January of 1994, she accepted a harvest position at Wirra Wirra Vineyards in Australia, gaining additional winemaking experience with emphasis on Syrah production. She returned full time to JPV as assistant enologist prior to the start of the 1994 harvest, gradually taking on a leadership role in the winemaking team.

"Working at JPV over the past few years has been a wonderful experience," Sarah remarked. "It has offered me amazing opportunities, and I feel privileged to be a part of such an experienced and successful team, and to be able to work with such amazing quality fruit."

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