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Winemaker, Don Reha
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Don Reha joined Thornton Winery in 2003. Raised on family vineyards in Ukiah, California, Reha has an extensive wine background. He began his career in winemaking in 1988, at Fetzer Vineyards in Redwood Valley and Hopland, California. There, he worked as a Barrel Program Supervisor for six years. During Reha’s tenure, he attended UC Davis, studying Enology and Fermentation Sciences. He also traveled extensively throughout Europe to obtain the best equipmentand supplies for quality winemaking.
In 1995, Reha began working for Cline Cellars as Assistant Winemaker. He was instrumental in producing many award-winning Zinfandels and Rhône varietals. While working closely with Owner/Winemaker, Matt Cline, production was increased from 23,000 to 200,000 cases annually. Before leaving Cline Cellars in 1999, Reha had been promoted to Associate Winemaker.
In 1999, Reha accepted the position of Director of Winemaking for Renwood Winery in Amador County, where he largely focused on Zinfandel, Rhône and Italian varietals. “I have been most passionate about Zinfandel, Rhône and Italian varietals, but have not limited myself to just them. My philosophy on producing premium varietal wines is that you have to have distinct varietal expression for each wine. No two varietals should be produced in the same manner or style. Every step of production throughout the winemaking process needs to be tailor made to extract the quality and uniqueness of the specific wine,” states Reha.
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