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In Temecula, California, Meet Thornton Winery's New Winemaker

David Vergari ~ The Legacy Man

I'd like you to meet the newest member of the Thornton Winery (Temecula Valley,CA) family, winemaker David Vergari. I set down for a meet and greet with David this week and what I found was a smart, outgoing, engaging man who unselfishly shares his time, talent and skills with those that cross his path. My sense of it is that we have a "Legacy Man" here. One that has a thoughtful idea of what AVA he's come to, what his tools and trials will be , and what his legacy will look like when he leaves. Read on to find out more about this nuanced winemaker.

After years of experience working at wineries on three different continents and running his own winery, he set out to join a winery in Temecula with a simple goal in mind: to craft hand-made wines of distinctive quality with the best grapes he can find, age those wines in premium oak barrels from coopers he respects, and then allow the wines to find their voice.

Dave has been watching the Temecula Valley AVA for some time. He was waiting for an opportunity to present itself so he could join a smaller Temecula winery (15,000 cases or less) where he could be a hands on winemaker. “I didn’t want to be desk bound. I was looking for a position where I could get away anytime I needed to. I want to personally know what every one of my barrels is doing.” He already knows many of the winemakers in the Valley, has been a guest speaker at one the Winegrowers’ quality seminars, and has a great admiration for the “promise this Valley holds.” That “promise” speaks to the quality and distinction that is inherent in this wine region. “When you’ve made wine on 3 continents, you can just sense when a certain AVA can achieve quality. I really believe Temecula is that special. ”

David, who has a strong wine consultant background, sees himself as someone who makes a difference in the quality and organization of each winery he works with. He’s looking to produce wines at Thornton Winery where each wine will showcase its own inherent varietal characteristic. “Let’s just say that I want the mouth to deliver what the nose promises.” He promises wine that has a fruit driven entry, that grow as it is tasted, and ends with a seamless finish and balance. When asked what success looks like to him he explained, “Respect of my peers, recognition of this winery and AVA by the wine press, and at the end of day… something I can take pride in.” David is on property most weekdays and at some special events. Be sure and say hi. He would love to meet you.