What’s On My Desk: Austin Peterson of Ovid Napa Valley

Nestled into the rugged and rocky eastern hillside overlooking Oakville Crossroad and the surrounding vineyards is Ovid Vineyards. Ovid Napa Valley produces a blend of the four Bordeaux varietals, varying in proportion from year to year, but always eloquently conveying a sense of place, and artfully crafted to stand the test of time.

Austin Peterson began his career at Ovid in 2006 as assistant winemaker, having already compiled an impressive resume that included winery positions in prestigious wine regions around the world. The Monterey native grew up in immersed in the culture and business of wine, as his father was a winemaker by trade who began his business growing grapes throughout California for Beringer Vineyards. While studying enology at UC Davis, Peterson financed his education by making and selling his own wine.  After graduation he traveled to France where he worked with influential Bordeaux-based oenologist, Michel Rollandat his vineyard, Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol.  During the off seasons at Ovid, Peterson continued his passion for traveling and visited wine regions in South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand to help with the harvests and further his winemaking education. Today, Peterson along with Ovid’s winemaking team is committed to the ongoing exploration and research of all facets of grape growing and winemaking.

Let take a look at what he keeps nearby to get the job done.