MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Heather Pyle-Lucas

The Lucas Winery / Winemaker

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WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised in England and Marin County. I moved to Lodi in 2001. 

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN FARMING WINEGRAPES AND MAKING WINE?
I’ve been farming winegrapes for 35 years; 20 years in Lodi. I’ve been making wine for 39 years.

WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF WINE AND HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WINEMAKER?
My first memory was watching and listening to my father sip and talk about wine at the dinner table when I was five or so. I knew I wanted to make wine after taking an introductory course at UC Davis while in pre-veterinary studies.

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF MAKING WINE?
The details; giving wines “space” and time to grow into individuals but also optimizing the good through attention to detail.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT AS A WINEMAKER?
Find a mentor. Winemaking only looks easy. Learning from the mistakes and growth of others helps build a strong foundation.

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER? WHY?
There are two: Charles Thomas and Tim Mondavi. Charles for being my guide to wines of the world and for showing me how great wines are made and Tim because he never compromised – all quality, all the way.

WHAT CHORE DO YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE DOING?
Dusting. 

CURRENTLY, WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK?
Vodka gimlet.

Pictured: Heather Pyle-Lucas and husband, David Lucas