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A 1975 graduate of U.C. Davis with a degree in fermentation science, Craig has been instrumental in Joseph Phelps Vineyards' growth and development for almost three decades. He joined the winery in 1976 to assist then-winemaker Walter Schug, took over red wine production in 1980, and was officially promoted to winemaker in charge of all wine production when Schug left to start his own winery in 1983.
Respected among his peers for his soft-spoken manner, quiet dedication, and commitment to excellence, Williams is one of California's foremost winemakers. When asked what are the most significant changes he has observed over the years, he answers, "We went through a challenging period during the late 80's and early 90's where we were having trouble with consistency in some of our grape sources. But beginning in 1989, the redevelopment of estate-owned vineyards in Carneros, Stag's Leap, and the Rutherford Bench, as well as the development of new vineyards in south Napa, Oakville and Oak Knoll, gave us the raw materials we needed to launch a new era in the quality of JPV wines. It was also the first step in implementing a plan to shift our production primarily to domaine-based, red Bordeaux varieties a plan that is much closer to being realized after the record amount of Cabernet harvested from the 2005 vintage."
When asked what he envisions giving him personal satisfaction in the years to come, it is clearly the new Sonoma County project in Freestone. "As an agricultural member of the Freestone community, I am most interested in helping guide our company through the process of responsible, environmentally-sensitive vineyard and winery development in Sonoma. Our success depends on being good environmental stewards as well as achieving quality in the vineyards."
Craig would readily admit that what makes this goal attainable is the ability of his staff to work as a team and place problem solving above individual egos. What he perhaps would be more reluctant to acknowledge is the leadership role he has played in making this possible.
Craig lives in St. Helena with his wife, Robin, and their children, Maureen and Gavin. | 