Winemaking

While attending UC Davis working on a biochemistry major, a brief conversation with a classmate lead Kristin Belair to investigate the winemaking program.  It was a perfect fit, combining art, science, agriculture, food, friends and more.  The opportunity to create something that connected people, places and experiences drew her in immediately.

In 1981, degree in hand, she started her first of two internships at Trefethen Vineyards, bridged by a sojourn to Australia.  In 1985, she went to work at Johnson-Turnbull (now known as Turnbull Wine Cellars), owned by the Johnson and Turnbull families, where she made estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.  A change in ownership created a new set of challenges and an exploration of more Bordeaux varietals and Rhone and Italian varietals. 

In January of 1998, with 4-year-old daughter in tow, she began her adventure with the Honig family at Honig Vineyard and Winery, making only Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Over the last twenty-seven years, Kristin and her team have created a legacy of 90+ point wines.

At the beginning of 2023, her position expanded to Winemaker Emeritus, Director of Winegrowing and Sustainability, turning over the winemaking reins to Ashley Egelhoff.  While continuing to support winemaking, Kristin’s primary focus is on grower relations and expanding Honig’s sustainability program.

Outside of the wine world, Kristin is a passionate gardener, creating biodiverse habitats in both her front and back yards.  Among her eclectic interests, she enjoys outdoor activities, particularly in the mountains and traveling with friends and family.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, it wasn’t until Ashley Egelhoff entered into her first year at UC Davis that she was introduced to the idea of winemaking as a career.  Originally studying bio and life science, she quickly transferred to the Viticulture and Enology department after taking an Introduction to Winemaking course.

After graduating from UC Davis with a BS in Viticulture and Enology, Ashley spent her first harvest as an intern at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, learning the hands-on basics of cellar and laboratory work.  She then travelled to Mendoza, Argentina for a second harvest, and followed that with a third harvest at Phelps. She joined the Honig team in 2012 as enologist, was promoted into the role of Assistant Winemaker, and then in January 2023, moved into the role of Winemaker.

Ashley lives in Napa with her family.  When she’s not taking her three boys to their numerous activities, she enjoys reading, working out, gardening, and camping with her family.

Gabi studied Biology and Chemistry at the University of Oregon. After 2 years working in the biotech industry out of college, Gabi decided she wanted to travel and work abroad which led her to working her first harvest in 2017 in Western Australia. She quickly fell in love with the sciences behind winemaking and returned to California to work another harvest. In 2018, Gabi joined Honig as a seasonal harvest intern. She spent time in the vineyard, lab and cellar, learning the ins and outs of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Following the 2018 harvest, she continued to travel globally, working harvest in six different locations until she landed in New Zealand in 2020. There she held an Assistant Winemaking role specializing in Sauvignon Blanc. After two years in New Zealand, Gabi returned to California and officially joined the Honig team in 2022 as Enologist. A year later, in 2023, she was promoted to Assistant Winemaker.

Gabi now calls Napa her home and when she’s not baking sourdough bread or spending time with her family, she’s off camping, mountain biking or flyfishing with her husband.