By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
Robin Epperson-McCarthy has been promoted to winemaker for Martha Clara Vineyards less than a year after being hired as assistant winemaker.
The previous winemaker, Juan Micieli-Martinez will continue to focus and expand his role as the winery's general manager while still acting as managing winemaker.
Epperson-McCarthy grew up on the North Fork, graduating from Mattituck high school in 1999, and though her wine journey took her far away from it, it seems as though she was always meant to return home -- and to Martha Clara Vineyards.
"As long as I have been working in the wine industry I have been involved with Martha Clara," Epperson-McCarthy said in a recent email. "Becoming a winemaker here seems inexorable to me. During my time as Laboratory Director at Premium Wine Group I spent a lot of time working with the Martha Clara Wines. As Juan and I set out on our own paths we became and stayed good friends."
When Micieli-Martinez left Shinn Estate Vineyards to become winemaker at Martha Clara, Epperson was still at Premium spending the majority of her time working with Martha Clara wines.
"I don't feel like there was ever a time when I did not know what was going on with the wines from Martha Clara Vineyards," she said.
Any new winemaker brings his or her own ideas, and changes, but Epperson isn't looking to make many. "I became assistant winemaker at Martha Clara because I like Juan's winemaking style and the wines that have been produced from this vineyard. Juan knows this vineyard while I have some new approaches to fermentation and aging that I learned while working overseas," she said.
I've had the pleasure of tasting and talking wine with Robin on a few occasions -- and we've also had several Twitter and email exchanges -- and I think she's going to be good for the wines at Martha Clara. She has all the technical prowess in the world, but I think what sets her part is her passionate curiosity. I look forward to watching how the wines change over time with her at the helm.
Congratulations Robin!! Great to see more young, passionate and female winemakers on the NOFO!!!
Oh and Happy Birthday a few days late!
Posted by: Anthony Nappa | March 02, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Well said, Anthony. The next generation of Long Island winemakers is certainly on the rise.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | March 02, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Congrats, Robin!
Posted by: Adam Ehmer | March 02, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Lenn, thank you for the post and, a big thank you to all of you boys for the congratulatory comments!
Posted by: Robin | March 02, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Congrats Robin!
Maybe now there will be a second Riesling offering ;)
Posted by: Michael Gorton, Jr. | March 02, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Funny you should say so...stay tuned this spring!
Posted by: Robin | March 02, 2011 at 03:57 PM
What the Undertaker wants, the Undertaker gets.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | March 02, 2011 at 04:18 PM
I wouldn't say he is getting what he wants but, there will be a second Riesling.
Posted by: Robin | March 02, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Giddy-Up!
Eagerly anticipating spring :)
Posted by: Michael Gorton, Jr. | March 03, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Lenn,
I do have to state that my title is not 'head' winemaker. It is just winemaker.
Posted by: Robin | March 05, 2011 at 09:37 AM
hi robin'
Just catching up on emils congrats! See you this spring wer can't wait to get out there!
susie Jeff andPatrick
Posted by: susan miller | April 08, 2011 at 07:05 PM
"I don't feel like there was ever a time when I did not know what was going on with the wines from Martha Clara Vineyards," she said.
Posted by: quail hill irvine | July 20, 2011 at 11:42 PM