Christine Barbe

Christine was born and raised in Bordeaux France. She studied biochemistry and received her doctorate degree in Enology and Viticulture from the Bordeaux Institute of Enology. Her knowledge of sauvignon blanc is extensive as she made wine at Chateau Carbonnieux and La Louviere in Pessac-Leognan. Christine worked with the renowned Denis Dubourdieu and learned firsthand how to taste Sauvignon Blanc grapes as they ripen and how to harvest them to maximize the aroma and flavor of the wine. In 1996 Christine moved to California where she engaged in winemaking and viticulture research for Robert Mondavi, Gallo and Trinchero. Christine also produces wonderful wine under her personal label Toquade. Christine oversees the winemaking and viticultural programs and practices at our estate vineyard in Calistoga. In the spirit of the traditional French vigneron, a life she knows well from her years in Bordeaux, Christine manages all aspects of our farming, harvesting, vinification and bottling to ensure the highest quality, most expressive wines possible.