Meet the Winemaker, Nancy Steel

In 2012 Stevenot marked a era of wine-making by producing new varietials and different styles of wine, along with the varietials for which Stevenot is known. Part of that move was Stevenot’s association with winemaker Nancy Steel.  Nancy has been heading our wine production since then and we at Stevenot are excited by the energy and wine-making expertise she brings to the winery.

Nancy was born and raised in Fremont, California where she attended Mission San Jose High School. She graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in plant science with a emphasis in viticulture. While still in school Nancy began working in her chosen profession in a crush position at Domaine Chandon in Yountville. Following graduation she took a position at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, a winery renowned for producing many of the best known winemakers of the Napa Valley. After a harvest in South Australia, Nancy returned  to California to work a harvest at Lambert Bridge Winery in Dry Creek Valley followed by a position at Clos du Val Winery in the Napa Valley. Her first job as winemaker was at Mazzocco Winery in Dry Creek Valley where she remained for seven years. A move to the Sierra foothills brought her to Perry Creek Vineyards where she was winemaker for 14 years, leaving only because the winery was sold. Since that she has been consulting in the wine-making process. “Nancy brings so much to our wine-making. She has such a great working relationship with all the growers and the respect of other winemakers,” says Jon Oliveto, Production Manager. Nancy on wine-making:  “What I enjoy so much is the combination of art and science that are involved. The chemistry of the conversion of sugar to alcohol and all the subsequent chemical reactions fascinate me. Then there is the art of blending and working with the different vintages and vineyards. Every vineyard and every vintage is unique. It is truly amazing.”