Makers' Stories
Megan Twitchell
— Wine is dependent on the seasons and each year brings something similar, yet different. It’s an incredible reminder of how big Mother Nature is. I love that we’re able to capture that in a wine glass.
What's your all-time favorite food and wine pairing?
Ice-cold Champagne and French fries will always have my heart.
How did you get started in the wine business?
I originally had dreams of becoming a chef; I decided to study food science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Halfway through my studies, I realized food science typically meant making Cheez-itz and other manufactured food in the Midwest - not my jam. I went crying to my advisor asking what I should do with my life and she suggested looking into the wine industry (Paso Robles was in my backyard after all). Flashforward to the day I turned 21 and I found a job pouring wine in a tasting room. I absolutely fell in love. That fall I interned for J. Lohr Winery and solidified my passion for winemaking.
What is your winemaking philosophy?
I believe that great wine starts in the vineyard. Terroir is the greatest thing to smell in a glass of wine and it's our job as winemakers not to mess that up. I love seeing fresh wines with natural acidity, balanced alcohols and refined tannins. My goal is to pick our fruit at the time in the vineyard that best mimics the qualities we want to see in the glass.
What is your favorite memory as a vintner working in Napa Valley?
Early morning vineyard visits where the fog still hangs low in the valley but the sun is shining on our mountain properties. Coffee in hand, surveying grapes.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Not a beer fan.
If you weren't a Napa Valley vintner, what would you be doing?
When I grow up, I'd like to be Joanna Gaines.
If you could open a bottle of your wine and share it with any three people (living or not), who would they be?
1. Andre Tchelistcheff - I hope he'd be proud of the wines we're creating in his legacy.
2. My Nana - she passed before she saw my interest and career in wine take off. She never met a boxed wine she didn't like and so I hope that she'd enjoy the wines I have a hand in making today.
3. Taylor Swift - obviously.
Est. 1900
Beaulieu Vineyard
03
The Makers