David Heitz

There is always that moment of truth for any second-generation winemaker. David Heitz mastered his moment at a very young age, and he has continued to create stunning wines for more than three decades.

In the summer of 1974, David had just arrived home with a degree in enology from Fresno State University when his legendary father Joe suffered a back injury. Drawing on his ample experience as an apprentice in the family winery, David did more than just step up to the plate. His first solo production sailed into the winemaking stratosphere, gifting collectors around the world with the 1974 Martha's Vineyard Cabernet.

Father and son continued working their magic as a team until the mid-1990s when David officially assumed full responsibility for winemaking.

Although futuristic when it comes to farming methods and updating equipment, David says he does not feel the pressure to run after every trend in winemaking. He favors bold, yet precision-balanced wines that reflect a polished purity.

"To me, the real artistry in winemaking means being careful not to get in the way with overly aggressive manipulation. I take a purist's approach, allowing each of our wines to express the true character of the varietal and also to convey their unique geography within the Napa Valley." - David Heitz

Clearly, quality has been foremost in David's thinking for most of his life. The classic Heitz label that stands out in stores today is based on a crayon drawing that David made when he was 11 years old. It depicts a cellar man holding a glass of wine up to the light --- undoubtedly a quality check in progress.

David and his wife Cheryl have two children. Rebecca is currently attending college, and Harrison graduated in 2006. There are hopes that one or both of them will decide on a career in the family business.