Viticulturalist, Jim Barbour

In 1992, our discerning proprietor, Jim Barbour decided that it was, at last, time to cultivate his own grapes from rootstock to the glass.  The vineyard that he selected is located just south of St. Helena;  It has gravelly & loamy soils that are most appropriate for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jim selected budwood from Grace Family Vineyards (Clone 7) to graft to his vines in 1992.  In 1995, three-quarters of a ton of Cabernet Sauvignon was picked for the first vintage of Barbour Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.  Our close friend and winemaker, Heidi Peterson Barrett, shared her time & talent and after 22 months in new French oak barrels, 50 cases of wine went to bottle.

At Barbour Vineyards, we harvest only one-to-two tons per acre in our vineyards.  With our 4’x6’ spacing of vines, we maintain a well-balanced vine with little to no irrigation during the year.  Since our first vintage of 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon, we have steadily increased our production.

The 2003 vintage totaled 285 cases and we expect that with the most recent crush of 2005, we will increase production up to about 600 cases.

Winemaker, Heidi Peterson Barrett

We are thrilled to have Heidi Peterson Barrett as our Winemaker. 

Since the beginning, Heidi has allowed the character of the vineyards to shine.  Heidi and Jim traipse through the vineyards throughout the year discussing pruning techniques, vine growth, leaf removal and crop load. It is an auspicious team, combining the talents of a premier viticulturist and one of the industry's most highly esteemed winemakers. 

And while Heidi has been called The First Lady of Wine, Winemaker of the Year, Wife and Mom, we feel fortunate to call her a friend.

For more information on Heidi Barrett, please see http://www.lasirenawine.com.