215: Elizabeth Vianna - Chimney Rock Winery

In this episode of Inside Winemaking, host Jim Duane welcomes Elizabeth Vianna, head winemaker and general manager at Chimney Rock Winery in Napa Valley’s Stag’s Leap District, for an in-depth conversation about her journey from pre-med student in New York to one of Napa’s most respected winemakers. Vianna shares her transformative pivot from medicine to winemaking after being inspired by Bordeaux wines in New York City, leading her to UC Davis’s master’s program. She recounts her early internships at Trefethen and Chimney Rock, where she fell in love with the property and eventually took over as assistant winemaker in 2002, becoming head winemaker in 2005 and general manager in 2011. The episode explores Chimney Rock’s terroir-driven philosophy, its commitment to free-run-only wines, and its evolution through decades of vintage challenges, including the intense 2011 and 2022 vintages. Vianna discusses her hands-on approach to winemaking, the importance of vineyard health, regenerative farming practices, and her focus on preserving old vines. She also reflects on mentorship, the art of storytelling at winemaker dinners, and her personal connection to the land, including her childhood memories of Brazil. The episode closes with a look at current winery operations, upcoming bottlings, and her excitement for the future of sustainable viticulture. Key takeaways include: (1) The importance of trusting your instincts and embracing risk in winemaking, especially in challenging vintages; (2) The value of long-term vineyard stewardship and soil health over short-term gains; (3) The power of mentorship and paying forward knowledge to the next generation; (4) The significance of terroir and vintage authenticity—making wine that reflects its time and place rather than forcing a style; (5) The benefits of extended maceration and minimal intervention in crafting elegant, texturally refined Cabernet Sauvignon; (6) The growing role of data and technology in vineyard management, such as soil CO2 monitoring and AI-driven workflows; (7) The emotional and narrative power of wine, best conveyed through storytelling rather than technical jargon; and (8) The importance of patience—especially in decisions like SO2 addition and blending—to allow natural processes to unfold.