Article Master

Justin Boeger the great grandson of Napa Valley winemaker Anton Nicholini and the son and partner of Boeger vinyard owner Greg Boeger always knew he’d be a winemaker. Though he went to school to learn the science of winemaking, he says that scientific wine is clean, but it lacks character, and that making wine with tons of character is where the art of winemaking comes in.

Natural, Authentic, And Wholesome Subtleties Can Make A World Of Difference

After completing his schooling and his internship in the Franconia region in the northern part of Bavaria in Germany, Boeger says that he made some changes in the winery’s processes, including using oak barrels in a different way.

Instead of buying barrels from one supplier, he has diversified and uses several barrels from several different coopers, different forests, and has tailored each barrel to the particular grape variety and vintage. This is because each different oak barrel at its own diversity, uniqueness, and variety.

The Art of Grape Growing

After completing an enology degree at The University of California at Davis and an internship at wineries in Germany’s Franconia region, Justin joined the winery as a winemaker so his father could concentrate on his most compelling interest, viticulture.

Justin attributes the success of Boegery Winery to the quality of their grapes, giving credit to his father for the magnificent fruit he provides for the winemaking process. Boegery Winery prides itself on the fact that they grow 95% of their own fruit. This allows them to have direct control over it so they can produce the high quality wines they are known for.

Love or Science?

While there is a great deal of scholarly knowledge and science behind the Boeger’s winemaking process, it is evident from their story that winemaking is a fine balance between the love of the craft and the knowledge of scientific processes. Like any craft, winemaking is an art, not simply a mechanized process.

The Boeger’s story is one of inspiration to wine aficionados, winemakers, brewers, and all those with a passion for arts and culture. To produce an authentic, inspired creation requires a passion for ones craft, a enduring dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

Knowing the history and culture behind the making of a bottle of wine can often make that glass of wine even tastier. If you’re planning to serve wine when entertaining, take some time to learn about the history and culture of the vinyards from which your wines originate. Sharing these stories with your guest while pouring glasses of savory wines makes for a memorable and rich experience.

Kent Campbell is a co-author for Celebrations Wine Club in collaboration with Anna Maria Knapp. Celebrations Wine Club is a reputed wine of the month club, and one of the few wine clubs offering the best wines of California for over 18 years.