The Grape Whisperer
By lporter
Tags: Brennon Leighton, COM 495, Efeste, identity, Lisa Porter, uw, winemaking
Category: Professional, Uncategorized
Multimedia story by Lisa M. Porter. Click here to view.
Text by Jonathan King
Brennon Leighton’s unique approach to winemaking has earned him multiple awards, including “Winemaker to Watch”.
“You use the art side of yourself, the creative part of yourself, and you also use the knowledgeable science part of yourself as well…you have to become one with what Mother Nature or God has given you.” – Brennon Leighton
After being a member of a punk rock band, Brennon Leighton switched his focus to the world of wine. The up-and-coming winemaker was introduced to wine while working as a waiter at an upscale restaurant in northern California, and thus he pursued a degree in oenology at the University of California at Davis.
Leighton is a pro at using a forklift, as he spends much of his day operating one while crushing and pressing grapes. The work for the winemaker gets even busier, especially in autumn, as he has to process, crush and press nearly 80 tons of grapes. During the crush season he spends up to 70 hours per week in the winery. In addition to managing the whole winemaking process, he oversees the Efeste staff, maintains relationships with suppliers, and regularly promotes Efeste wines at industry and winery functions.
The interns at Efeste assist Leighton with all facets of the winemaking process. As the winemaker continues to get his shirt covered with grape stains, he’s helping future winemakers in getting their hands a little messy as well. Maybe one of them will be the next “Winemaker to Watch”.
5 Responses to “The Grape Whisperer”
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Pictures are amazing, Lisa! Great job! Thanks for always being on top of everyting! You’re such a great example to all of us!
Toni
Thanks Toni! Now you all know how to be the class nerd
. Seriously though, being a mom makes a huge difference…I wasn’t so on top of it the first time I went to school.
Lisa! Thank you so much for your feedback. I always valued your insights in class, and your genuinity was really made apparent in your work as well! Awesome job on everything. The magazine wouldn’t be what it is without you!
The photography is stunning in both composition and color. The presentation captured the winemaker’s understated joy in what he does. It comes through in a way that feels very natural, not forced. It made me want to visit the winery. Well done. (and she does a cute tap dance, too)
Oh MOTHER!
LOL thanks
I’m a little old for the tap dance part though…