Crown Point Vineyards Appoints New Winemaker

Henkel comes to Crown Point after eight vintages at the venerable Harlan Estate Winery in the Napa Valley. As an integral part of the winemaking team at Harlan Estate, Henkel was responsible for executing the direction set by accomplished industry veterans Cory Empting, Bob Levy and Michel Rolland. Henkel became known for producing profound, character-driven wines for the esteemed family of brands.

“This is the perfect opportunity for me,” says Henkel of the move to Crown Point. “It’s exciting to be at the helm of a young Cabernet driven winery in the quickly rising Happy Canyon.” The region, a bucolic valley of horse ranches and hillside vineyards, boasts a unique microclimate and serpentine soils rich with minerals. The combination concentrates the flavors of the grapes and enables the vineyards to produce exceptional and unique varietals. “It’s a winemaker’s paradise,” adds Henkel. “The access we have to amazing fruit from both warm and cool climates is truly incredible.”

ABOUT CROWN POINT VINEYARDS

Crown Point is the newest addition to the small family of wineries residing in the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA, located in the eastern hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded by entrepreneur Roger Bower in 2012, Crown Point Vineyards will be crafting ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines that showcase the unique character of the region. The property is a meticulously farmed thirty acre vineyard with a singular mission: to make world-class wine from the highest quality estate-grown fruit. “Roger and I have very high expectations and feel that we can help define Happy Canyon and bring a heightened level of awareness to this area,” says Henkel, who will make wines on the estate in a boutique, state-of-the-art winemaking facility. “The potential here is unparalleled.”

To complement his wine portfolio, owner Roger Bower also purchased the Westerly wine brand in late 2012. Henkel will first be tasked with creating a new portfolio of wines from Westerly that will focus on varietals specific to the AVAs of Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara and Sta. Rita Hills.

For more information go to www.westerlywines.com.