Beaulieu Vineyard Appoints Nate Weis as New Head Winemaker, Formerly of Silver Oak

Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) has officially announced that Nate Weis will step into the roles of general manager and head winemaker. This transition follows the departure of Trevor Durling, who moved on last year to take a winemaking position at Darioush. Weis previously worked at Silver Oak, where he made a significant impact on the winery’s production since the 2014 vintage.

At 46 years old, Weis is well-acquainted with the legacy of BV, a historic winery in Napa Valley established in 1900. He even teaches classes on Napa Valley wine history at Napa Valley College, ensuring his deep-rooted understanding of the region’s viticulture. His enthusiasm for this opportunity reflects his respect for BV’s storied history, which includes notable figures such as Georges de Latour and André Tchelistcheff.

During his time at Silver Oak, Weis was only the third winemaker in the winery’s history, overseeing the production of over 100,000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon each year. At BV, he will manage a similar volume of production but across nearly two dozen bottlings, with Cabernet Sauvignon making up three-quarters of the winery’s output.

BV has experienced an upward trend in quality under Durling’s stewardship from 2017 to 2023. Significant accolades include the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Georges de Latour Private Reserve, which earned a score of 95 points and secured the No. 2 position in Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 list for 2024.

Weis plans to maintain the quality and style established at BV while also making incremental improvements. As part of his role, he will benefit from an ongoing multimillion-dollar renovation of the winery, a process that aims to enhance the historic site’s facilities while preserving its legacy.

Hailing from a winemaking family, Weis brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. His father, Michael Weis, was an influential winemaker at several renowned wineries, including Robert Mondavi Winery and Groth in Oakville. Nate recalls his father’s suggestion to seek out BV’s 1968 vintage – a tasting that he describes as "life-changing."

With his extensive background and passion for the craft, Weis is poised to lead Beaulieu Vineyard into a promising future while honoring its rich heritage.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!