Laura Barrett joined Clif Family Winery as Winemaker in November of 2014, bringing her passion for wine and her life-long love of science to the Clif Family Winery portfolio. 

Laura received her undergraduate degree from The University of Vermont where she received a BS in Chemistry. Looking to put her degree to use for more than just lab work, she decided to pursue a career in winemaking. Her first step along this path was a job with Stony Ridge Vineyards, a small wine producer located on Waikeke Island in New Zealand. 

After deciding that winemaking was the career she wanted to follow, Laura returned to the United States and pursued a Masters in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis where she was quickly recognized as an up and coming winemaker. While studying at UC Davis she received the prestigious La Reve Foundation scholarship, awarded to female Viticulture and Enology students with outstanding academic standing. 

After graduating from UC Davis, Laura became Assistant Winemaker at Fisher Vineyards where she worked for five years under the direction of celebrated consulting winemaker Mia Klein. In this role she learned to appreciate and understand the nuances of Napa Valley Cabernet. 

Aspiring to move into a head winemaker position, Laura took a position with Casey Flat Ranch and spent the next seven years developing the wine program for this Capay Valley producer. 

As Winemaker, Laura brings her keen scientific knowledge, attention to detail and creative inspiration to the Clif Family Winery portfolio. Laura developed the final blends for Clif Family Winery’s 2014 vintage wines and with the 2015 vintage assumes responsibility for the entire winemaking process.

Laura lives in St. Helena and in her free time enjoys hiking around the Napa Valley and spending time with her children.