Trevor Durling

Trevor Durling’s journey to becoming the Chief Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard is as rich and layered as the wines he crafts. Growing up in Sonoma County, the heart of Northern California’s wine country, Trevor was immersed in the culture of wine from a young age. Wine was a staple at his family dinner table, fostering an early appreciation for its complexity and nuances.

Initially, Trevor’s career path seemed destined for the skies. Following high school, he planned to join the ROTC program at the University of California, Davis, aspiring to become an officer in the US Air Force, inspired by his grandfather, a 37-year Air Force veteran. However, fate had other plans. An introductory winemaking class at UC Davis ignited a passion that reshaped his future. Trevor quickly realized that winemaking perfectly blended his interests in agriculture, science, and cuisine. This epiphany led him to transfer to the UC Viticulture and Enology program.

Trevor’s hands-on experience began with a harvest internship at the Russian River Valley’s Sonoma-Cutrer winery in 2003. He then worked two consecutive seasons for Gloria Ferrer winery’s sparkling wine harvests, honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the winemaking process. By late 2005, Trevor joined Moon Mountain Vineyard, a small, esteemed organic vineyard in Sonoma Valley. Here, he began to carve out his niche in the wine industry.

A pivotal moment in Trevor’s career was tasting the 1968 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with a family friend. This experience not only left a lasting impression but also defined the type of wines he aspired to create. This inspiration carried him forward in his career, leading to a significant role at Provenance Vineyards and Hewitt Vineyard in March 2010. As an assistant winemaker, Trevor’s contributions were crucial in earning the Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Wine Spectator’s 2013 #4 Wine of the Year.

In early 2015, Trevor’s dedication and talent were recognized as he succeeded founding winemaker Tom Rinaldi and previous winemaker Chris Cooney to become the lead winemaker. Working closely with Tom and Chris, Trevor crafted wines that upheld and enhanced a rich winemaking legacy. His reputation and expertise culminated in June 2017 when he was appointed Chief Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard.

At Beaulieu Vineyard, Trevor holds the distinguished position of being only the fifth Chief Winemaker in the winery’s 120-year history. Following in the footsteps of esteemed winemakers like Jeffrey Stambor, Trevor approaches his role with respect for the winery’s storied past while eagerly shaping its future. “While Beaulieu’s legacy honors the marriage between innovative technology and gentle, traditional winemaking methods, we’re entering a new chapter. It is an exciting and pivotal time,” Trevor shares. His vision has driven significant investments in improving the visitor’s center, winery, and reserve cellar, bringing in state-of-the-art tools to craft wines of the highest caliber. Trevor and his team continually strive to raise the bar in winemaking excellence.

Beyond the vineyard, Trevor serves as an informal ambassador for California wine country to Travis Air Force Base, educating service members on Napa and Sonoma wine news. He is also an active board member of the Rutherford Dust Society, which supports charity events in the community, including Auction Napa Valley. This four-day charity wine event, sponsored by Napa Valley Vintners, distributes proceeds to local initiatives aiding community health and children’s education.

In his personal life, Trevor is a man of diverse interests. An avid golfer and snowboarder, he also enjoys following the San Francisco Giants. His passion for music is evident as he plays the piano, trumpet, and guitar. Trevor also loves to barbeque, cook at home, and explore wines from around the world.

Trevor Durling’s journey from Sonoma County to Chief Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard is a testament to his passion, dedication, and vision. His story continues to inspire and shape the world of winemaking, promising an exciting future for Beaulieu Vineyard.