Bo Barrett
Bo’s career in the wine industry began in the summer of 1972, right after he graduated from high school, when his family purchased Chateau Montelena. He spent the first summer pulling star thistle in the old vineyard and picking up rocks in preparation for replanting.
In 1976 Bo transferred to Fresno State University, where he was
an honors student in Viticulture and Enology. As 1981 drew to a
close, Chateau Montelena's Winemaker left to pursue other
opportunities and Bo was offered the job by his father, the
winery's Managing General Partner. "When I told my dad I would
think about it, I was concerned about what it would do to our
relationship. I thought about it for two days and finally told him
that I would need to have the freedom and professional respect he
had shown the previous winemakers. He agreed, and that's the way
it's been ever since."
Since 1972, Bo has been involved in every vintage at Chateau
Montelena. His intimate knowledge of the Estate vineyard, gained
over more than 30 years, provides him with a wealth of experience
that allows him, year after year, to "bring the vintage and the
vineyard to your table in a wine that is elegant, balanced and
enjoyable."
When not making wine, Bo enjoys flying, scuba diving, skiing,
and spending time with his wife, Heidi, and his three children.