Hartford Family Winery appoints Jeff Stewart as Winemaker and GM

Proprietors Don and Jennifer Hartford announced today that Jeff Stewart has been appointed Winemaker and General Manager at Hartford Family Winery, effective immediately. Hartford Family Winery specializes in small artisan bottlings of single vineyard designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Old Vine Zinfandel.

“Jennifer and I are thrilled that Jeff will be joining our team,” says Don Hartford. “He is an established artisan winemaker who has developed a well-earned reputation for specializing in cool-climate viticulture and winemaking. Jeff’s balance of winemaking talent, experience and leadership will be a great addition to our family winery.”

Mr. Stewart is a graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Fermentation Science, Viticulture and Enology. He began his career working with a number of wineries on the North Coast of California and, in 1999, was named Winemaker at La Crema winery in the Russian River Valley, where he is still largely credited for laying the foundation that led to the winery’s current success. He left La Crema in 2003 to take the winemaking helm at Buena Vista Carneros. During his time there he was instrumental in the complete restructuring of the winery’s portfolio, vineyards and market position.

In his new position Jeff will be responsible for all aspects of winemaking and facility management. He will work directly with the family and winemaking team to ensure the continuity of style and quality that have become the hallmark of Hartford Family Winery.