Legendary Napa Valley Winemaker Richard Peterson history lesson 90 years in the region

Looking Into Wine

**Monthly Podcast: Legendary Napa Valley Winemaker Richard G. Peterson**
This month’s podcast features an extraordinary guest—Richard G. Peterson, one of Napa Valley's most legendary winemakers. If there’s anyone who can tell the story of Napa Valley’s evolution over the decades, it’s Peterson, whose career has spanned more than half a century. He’s witnessed and contributed to the valley’s transformation from a quiet, rural region to one of the world’s most renowned wine-producing areas.
Peterson’s journey began in 1948, when he started as a home winemaker in Iowa. This early passion for winemaking sparked a long and illustrious career that would take him from the Midwest to the heart of California's wine country. After earning a B.S. in Chemical Technology from Iowa State University in 1952, Peterson moved to California, where he earned an M.S. in Food Technology from UC Berkeley in 1956 and a PhD in Agricultural Chemistry.
In 1958, Peterson joined the iconic E. & J. Gallo Winery, initially focusing on new product development and research. His tenure at Gallo lasted for a decade, during which he rose to become the Research Director and Assistant Production Manager, responsible for overseeing winemaking operations. This experience provided Peterson with invaluable insights into the wine industry and laid the foundation for his future leadership roles.
In 1968, Peterson moved to Napa Valley, where he took on the role of Winemaster at Beaulieu Vineyard, a prestigious estate located in Rutherford. He served at Beaulieu until 1973, honing his skills and deepening his connection with Napa Valley’s terroir. His next major venture was at Monterey Vineyard, where he served as Winemaster and President from 1973 to 1986. At Monterey, Peterson gained recognition for producing innovative wines, including California’s first Botrytis Sauvignon Blanc and Botrytis Pinot Noir, as well as unique harvest wines like the January Harvest Gamay Beaujolais and December Harvest Zinfandel.
From 1986 to 1990, Peterson served as Winemaster and President of Atlas Peak Vineyards, and was also Chairman from 1989. His leadership in these roles further cemented his reputation as one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers.
This podcast episode offers listeners a rare opportunity to hear from a true pioneer of Napa Valley wine. Peterson’s deep knowledge, combined with his rich history in the industry, provides a unique perspective on the valley’s development and the art of winemaking. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the history of Napa Valley, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.