Charlie Tolbert
Winemaker
My goal is to capture the flavors set in Patianna’s exceptional vineyard and continue the style set by Mike, Patti and Gregg.Charlie Tolbert’s career began in the vineyards of Sonoma Valley in the 1970s. Pruning, cultivating, irrigating and hoeing for a year, he developed an abiding respect for the rigorous dedication required to grow top tier quality grapes.
He followed the grapes into the winery, beginning as a “cellar rat” and graduating to cellar master, assistant winemaker and winemaker. Charlie became the hands-on hero behind numerous successful brands, including Chateau St Jean Winery, Haywood Winery, Arrowood Vineyards and Winery and Amapola Creek Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma Valley. He served as Director of Cellar Operations for Fetzer Vineyards where he developed an appreciation for Mendocino County grapes.
“The biggest evolution in the wine business is the focus on the vineyard source as the primary driver of quality,” says Charlie.“At Patianna, for example, there is a purity of fruit and varietal character, leading to wines with clean, deep flavors and solid structure.”
When his long-time friend and colleague Mike Lee passed away suddenly, Charlie stepped up to work with Patianna proprietors Patti Fetzer and Gregg Hileman. “My goal is to capture the flavors set in Patianna’s exceptional vineyard and continue the style set by Mike, Patti and Gregg.”
Reflecting on almost four decades in the wine business, Charlie says “There is no substitute for hard work and commitment. The wine business is a collaboration every step of the way.”
