Pindar Vineyards Hires Les Howard as its New Winemaker

Pindar Vineyards, Long Island's largest winery, has hired a new winemaker, Les Howard, most recently of Jamesport Vineyards.

Les, a Long Island native, started his winemaking career at Pindar almost 15 years ago when he had a summer job on the bottling line. Now he's back, as head winemaker. He made a lot of delicious wines at Jamesport, and many more will be released after he's gone. He's also a great guy who I've enjoyed talking with over the years.

There are going to be many challenges moving from a winery like Jamesport to one like Pindar, challenges beyond the 7,00-case to 70,000-case production levels. But, if Les is given the freedom to make the wines that he wants to make, we can expect a sharp increase in the quality of wines coming out of Pindar's winery, which would be a very good thing.

I haven't heard what Jamesport plans to do on the winemaking front, but the parting was apparently amicable. Maybe Ron Goerler Jr., the owner, will take the winemaking reins back again?

Anyway, congratulations, Les. I look forward to tasting your first Pindar wines a year from now.

Comments

[Foley]

Lenn,
You've got to get an interview with Les and pick his brain on the change.
You would expect one to break their teeth at Pindar and strive for a place like Jamesport, so this move seems almost counter-intuitive.
However, I am intrigued by the possibility of him elevating quality in a place with that much quantity.

[Lenn]

While I can see your point in terms of having control over the whole process and making more artisanal wines...but that's only one part of the equation.

It's got to be cool for Les to return to where he started his career...and I'm sure that Pindar can afford to pay him significantly more than Jamesport could.

And, it's a great opportunity for him to turn a winery best known for its marketing and it's ability to popularize wine with non-wine drinkers into a winery known for quality wine.

[Jonathan]

Maybe Ron will take over again as Winemaker. As owner and Winemaker of Applewood Winery in the Hudson Valley I can tell you there are few jobs as enjoyable or rewarding.

Vinuous regards,

Jonathan Hull
http://www.applewoodwinery.com