Sarah Wuethrich Description
Sarah Wuethrich, the winemaker at Maggy Hawk, brings both passion and expertise to her role, crafting wines that showcase the unique terroir of Anderson Valley. Born and raised in Cupertino, California, Sarah didn’t initially set out to become a winemaker. In fact, her original career path pointed towards atmospheric science, but fate had other plans. It was through an enology class recommended by her father, a hobbyist winemaker, that Sarah discovered her true calling.
After taking the enology class, Sarah fell in love with the science and artistry of winemaking. She went on to pursue her degree in Viticulture and Enology at the prestigious University of California at Davis, graduating in 2001. This experience laid the foundation for her winemaking journey, sparking a lifelong fascination with the intricacies of wine.
From Sonoma County to Naked Wines
Upon completing her degree, Sarah began her career in Sonoma County, gaining technical expertise at renowned wineries such as St. Francis and Lambert Bridge. During these early years, she honed her skills in various winemaking techniques, from fermentation to barrel aging, learning what it takes to craft exceptional wine.
One of her most exciting ventures came when she was invited to co-found a new wine label for Naked Wines. Sarah and her best friend dove into the challenge, producing wines from lesser-known Portuguese varieties sourced from small vineyards in California. This experience not only expanded her skill set but also solidified her love for hands-on, creative winemaking. The opportunity to experiment with these unique grape varieties gave Sarah the confidence to embrace new challenges in the world of wine.
Falling in Love with Anderson Valley
In 2010, Sarah made a pivotal career move by joining Copain Wines as an Assistant Winemaker. It was at Copain that she worked alongside winemaker Wells Guthrie, who introduced her to the wonders of Anderson Valley. Known for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Anderson Valley captured Sarah’s heart with its foggy vineyards and untamed landscapes.
Over the next seven years, Sarah immersed herself in the natural beauty of Anderson Valley, refining her approach to winemaking. She focused on crafting wines with lower alcohol and higher acidity to emphasize the delicate flavors of the region’s fruit. Her dedication to hands-off, European-style winemaking allowed her to truly showcase the unique character of Anderson Valley grapes.
Becoming the Winemaker at Maggy Hawk
In 2017, Sarah’s growing expertise and deep connection to Anderson Valley led her to become the winemaker at Maggy Hawk. The winery, located in the heart of Anderson Valley, gave Sarah the perfect platform to express her winemaking philosophy. At Maggy Hawk, Sarah crafts wines that reflect the wildness and beauty of the region. Each bottle showcases the natural grace and elegance of Anderson Valley fruit, with a particular focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Her winemaking process at Maggy Hawk emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to speak for themselves. By focusing on the unique terroir of Anderson Valley, Sarah produces wines that are rich in flavor, with vibrant acidity and a refined balance. The 2021 vintage of Maggy Hawk Pinot Noir, for example, is celebrated for its bold, muscular tannins and intense flavors, perfectly capturing the essence of the vineyard.
A Bright Future for Anderson Valley Wines
Sarah’s passion for Anderson Valley is evident in everything she does. She sees limitless potential for the region, with its small-town charm and untouched landscapes. As winemaker at Maggy Hawk, Sarah continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this unique wine-growing area, producing wines that reflect both the natural beauty and the distinctive character of Anderson Valley.
With Sarah Wuethrich at the helm, Maggy Hawk wines continue to receive critical acclaim, and the future of Anderson Valley looks brighter than ever. For wine lovers seeking distinctive, cool-climate wines that are crafted with care and precision, Maggy Hawk’s offerings are not to be missed.
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Maggy Hawk Pinot Noir Stormin 2021
$74.95PRICE CLUB members save $6 per bottle13.80% /750ml /Vintage: 2021- WE 93
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