WINEMAKER

CRAIG REED, WINEMAKER
B I O G R A P H Y
Craig Reed developed his passion for wines where all great wines begin – in the vineyard. Initially hired to assist with tending the vines of Italian varietals at the Martin Family Ranch, it wasn’t long before Craig was also put to work in the cellar.

That was in 1988. After spending two years doing everything from disking vine rows to washing barrels, Craig’s mentors Tom Martin and David Weyrich promoted him to Assistant Winemaker. Craig spent the next four years attending UC Davis extension courses and learning everything he could from his peers in Paso Robles.

“The early 1990s were a really special time in Paso Robles,” says Craig. “There were only about a dozen of us making wine, and we were a pretty tightly-knit group. We learned and literally grew up together, sharing both the good and bad wine industry experiences!”

Craig has traveled the globe to wine regions in France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and, of course, Italy. He often attends VinItaly, the wine exposition in Verona, and always manages to squeeze in a few extra days to tour the Italian countryside.

“My favorite region in Italy is Piemonte, because of the great Barolos and Barbarescos produced there,” Craig said. “David (Weyrich) is also passionate about these wines, and has an extensive cellar. We love sitting down and tasting through a few vintages and discussing the wines, the business, our families, pretty much everything!”

Craig’s promotion to Winemaker came just prior to harvest in 1994. With six full years of experience under his belt and an intimate familiarity with the Martin & Weyrich vineyards and winery, he was able to make the most of what soon became known as the vintage of the decade.

Three of his first wines – Nebbiolo Vecchio, Cabernet Etrusco, and Moscato Allegro – earned 90+ scores in the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines. In 1995, Scott Clemens of the San Mateo Times named Craig “Winemaker of the Year.”

In the years since, Craig’s wines have continued to succeed with wine critics as well as consumers.

ENRIQUE TORRES, ASSISTANT WINEMAKER