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Jeff Roberts oversees our in-house farming crew, which is comprised of seven full-time and three part-time employees. Today, this skilled team farms our Estates. Since 1997, Jeff has been most at home among the vines at Duckhorn Vineyards. Originally from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Jeff's introduction to farming came at an early age as he helped out on a family Christmas tree farm. Later, while working in the restaurant business, Jeff was exposed to fine food, which soon led to his discovery and appreciation of fine wine. After a number of trips to Napa Valley, including four weeks working a harvest at a local winery, Jeff moved here in 1994 to forge a career in the vineyard business. When discribing his philosophy on cultivating grapes, Jeff explains that the most important aspect for him is his knowledgeable team. "Sustainable farming begins with the people who tend the vines. Every vineyard has its own personality and its own potential. You don't just farm a vineyard, you pay attention, you learn. It's a relationship. As we become familiar with each site's distinctive charm and character, we have a better opportunity to improve grape quality with each vintage." Jeff thinks of himself as a winegrower rather than a grape grower. "If you invest your time and effort in the vineyard, you will cosistently make the best possible wines -- clasic wines that capture the essence of a unique site." In keeping with this philosophy, Jeff follows the mission statement of the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group, which is to identify and promote winegrowing practices that are socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound. Each member of the Duckhorn Wine Company farming team has a specific ranch responsibility in addition to regular everyday duties. With this close-knit team in place, Jeff is free to focus on the many aspects of his winegrowing philosophy that emphasizes ideally matching varietal to site, while always maintaining harmony and balance in the vineyard. | 