2021 Winemaker of the Year
Françoise Peschon named 2021 Winemaker of the Year, by esteemed Antonio Galloni of Vinous
Each year, Antonio Galloni summarizes his experience seeking out the best the wine world has to offer in a Year in Review. His wine publication, Vinous, is quickly garnering the attention of the wine world’s most educated as he cut his teeth with the legendary Robert Parker, before Parker sold his namesake Robert Parker Wine Advocate. Galloni has earned his reputation by truly understanding the complexities of the wine world and showing respect for those involved. Whether it’s the family-owned restaurants that support small wine regions, showcasing wines you can’t stumble upon on google, or his extensive passion project of mapping the entirety of California’s wine regions in impeccable detail. Galloni stepped into the wings since 2013 and he’s represented and showcased the best wines of the new and old world ever since.
We are honored to congratulate our winemaker, Françoise Peschon, on her recognition as the 2021 Winemaker of the Year.
Françoise is the heart and soul of Napa Valley. Along with her relationship with Michael Wolf, the two together are an unstoppable combination. Their ability to extract the best there is to offer from a vineyard site is profound. Françoise not only has curated the projects she chooses to work on – VHR, Vine Hill Ranch, Drinkward Peschon, Accendo Cellars, Matt Morris Wines, and with us at Heimark – she also applies her wisdom, mentoring the young winemakers who will shape future generations of Napa Valley wines. Elizabeth Tangney at Cornell Vineyards, Matilda Scott at the soon-to-be-released Almaccero, her daughter Isabelle Straka at Kinsman Eades and countless others.
If you speak to anyone who is passionate about Napa Valley wines, you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t tout Françoise and her humble, yet universal impact on what it means to be a winemaker. We couldn’t be more proud of her as a mother, daughter, winemaker, human and as a part of the Heimark family.
“Peschon could easily have a larger roster if she desired, but instead she chooses to focus only on clients who meet her strict criteria, not afraid to let those go who don’t. It’s an admirable approach that has very quietly made her one of the most influential and highly respected winemakers in Napa Valley, and my Winemaker of the Year.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Cheers to Françoise, and to Antonio for his lovely words.
December 2021
