Behind the vine

Jacqueline Person - Carboniste - Napa, California

When do you think you fell in love with wine, enough to make a career of it?

I went to school for Economics, but quickly transitioned into the Viticulture and Enology department. I was studying winemaking before I was legally able to drink it! I fell in love as soon as I started. The art-meets-science aspect of winemaking was really what drew me in.

What story does your wine tell?

I grew up having wine on the table and when young, enjoying a thimble full at special meals. Wine was always a part of the tablescape. So that really informed my way of making wines - which are always approachable and ready to be opened. Don't worry about saving these wines for a special occasion, pop them open after work one day!

CARBONISTE is all about highlighting California's growing regions through sparkling wine. We make an approachable product that exudes JOY. From the price ($28-$46) to the opening, wine shouldn't hurt. We want you to be able to enjoy this wine again and again.

What misconceptions about wine do you think people should forget?

If people are new to wine, they often overthink it. Worrying about whether they know the region, or what variety or even what vintage, often gets people too overwhelmed to jump in. Wine is a product that has a long, long history - way back before there were somms or people rating which wines were good or not. Before all that, it was just a drink on the table. It tasted good. It went with food. We need to circle back to that.

What great things about wine do you think people should remember?

Kind of building off of my last comment, remember that there is always more to learn. Even for the experts. That is what makes it so fun. You can simply open a bottle and enjoy it, or you can go deep on everything from winemaking style (what did the winemaker do to make it taste this way), to region (why does it taste this way vs that? Is it terroir?), vintage (weather plays a huge role in the outcome of wines), varietal (Pinot or Syrah?), etc.

What is a piece of advice you would give to a woman interested in breaking into the wine world?

Do it. There are plenty of internships available, or entry level jobs to try it out. You can even call up your favorite winery and ask if they have positions available within your skillset.

Who is a woman in wine that you think everyone should know about?

Alison Frichtl Hollister. Winemaker of Hall Wines, Walt and BACA - a canned AVA specific Zinfandel Project!

Where can women find your wine?

The easiest place is CARBONISTE.com.