Blair Guthrie is the winemaker for Stewart Cellars, Slingshot Wines, and Guthrie Family Wines in Napa Valley.
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Born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Blair began his studies in Graphic Design, before realizing wine was his true passion and calling. He returned to school, earning a post-graduate degree in Oenology and Viticulture then followed his heart to California to become a harvest intern at Paul Hobbs’s Crossbarn. Little did he know his heart would not only lead him to wine, but would also lead him to the love of his life, Caroline Stewart.
Both adventurous spirits, they moved to South Australia, where Blair was assistant winemaker at BK Wines. Once their adventurous spirits were satiated, they returned to California to settle down and focus on Stewart Cellars and raising their family.
I met up with Blair at the Stewart Cellars tasting room in Yountville, which I highly recommend you visit, especially if you are able to do a library tasting in what they call their Nomad Room. It is a gorgeously designed space with art on the walls, dark leather furniture, and books galore that range from coffee table books about the designer Tom Ford to old copies of Hemingway. It is a room that has so much life, so many stories. A place where you can go to relax and enjoy some beautiful Napa wines. If you can’t stop by, take a look at the space at StewartCellars.com
In this episode, Blair and I chat about his story and how he got into wine as a Kiwi in New Zealand to came to Napa, working with the amazing winemaker, Paul Hobbs, and how he approaches making wines at price points ranging from $16 to $175 per bottle. We also dig into the artistry of winemaking, some of the science behind it all, and most importantly, throughout the episode Blair and I taste through eleven plus wines, which he gives insight as to how he made them, the tasting notes on them, and all of the little details that go into making fantastic Napa wines.
How to Make Delicious Wines For Everyone with Blair Guthrie
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Hey, I'm Chappy
I'm a Sonoma County, California based award winning sommelier, podcaster, wine marketer! I've personally sold tens of millions of dollars in wine, been nominated for Wine Enthusiasts Wine Star Sommelier of the Year, been selected as a 40 Under 40 tastemaker at the ripe age of 26, and helped restaurants get Michelin stars.
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Hey, I'm Chappy
I'm a Sonoma County, California based award winning sommelier, podcaster, wine marketer! I've personally sold tens of millions of dollars in wine, been nominated for Wine Enthusiasts Wine Star Sommelier of the Year, been selected as a 40 Under 40 tastemaker at the ripe age of 26, and helped restaurants get Michelin stars.