Celia Welch
Where Passion and Knowledge Create Vinous Masterpieces
From a childhood fascination with identifying spices to a celebrated career as an independent winemaker, Celia Welch's journey tells the story of a passion for flavor, aroma, and the ultimate art of winemaking. Born and raised in a small town in Oregon, Celia's early exposure to the world of wine through her father's home winemaking set the stage for a remarkable career that spans over three decades and continues to leave the world of wine in awe.
In Pursuit Of The Sensory Wine World
Celia's fascination with the sensory aspects of life began in her childhood. Her curiosity and affinity for aroma and flavor was so present that even at a birthday party, she proposed a game centered around identifying spices in her mother’s kitchen cabinet by scent and taste over “pin the tail on the donkey”. Growing up in a household of avid wine collectors and home winemakers, Celia's exposure to the world of vineyards and winemaking was both immersive and educational. Her father's experimentation with a half-acre of assorted vines in their yard laid the foundation for her deep connection to the land and the art of winemaking.
Educational & Professional Pursuits
Fueling her passion for aroma, Celia considered becoming a perfume maker in high school, however decided to pursue formal education at the University of California, Davis, where she earned a B.S. in Fermentation Science in 1982. Mentored by Professor Ann Noble, the inventor of the Wine Aroma Wheel, Celia's education combined her love for flavors and aromas with a scientific understanding of winemaking. After graduation, she embarked on a journey to explore wine regions globally, including the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, New Zealand, and Australia's Barossa Valley, enriching her knowledge and refining her craft.
Celia Welch's professional journey took root in Napa Valley, where she spent several years honing her skills in wine production on Mt. Veeder and in the Carneros region. Her career took a significant turn when she joined Silverado Vineyards in 1987, overseeing the implementation of a quality control program. Subsequently, she served as the assistant winemaker at Robert Pepi winery and began consulting for Staglin Family Vineyard, establishing herself as an influential figure in the industry.
Independent Winemaking & Consulting
In 1995, Celia made the pivotal decision to focus on independent wine consulting and winemaking, heavyheartedly resigning from Robert Pepi to pursue her consulting and crafting career full-time. Since then, she has been an independent winemaker and consultant for a select group of high-profile Napa Valley clients. Her portfolio includes renowned wineries such as Keever Vineyards, Barbour Vineyards, Castiel Estate, Lindstrom Wines, Rewa Vineyards, Signorello Estate, The Hess Collection, J. Davies Winery and Scarecrow Wine, among others. Her influence on the fine wines these estates carry has been remarkable, leading to great success and though she has her very own way of crafting excellent wine, her commitment to the expression of each estates’ unique terroir and grapes always leads the way:
"Most of the wines [I make] are estate grown, and each bears its own personality and stamp of soil. My own influence on the product is invisible," she says. "I don't want someone to taste a wine and say, 'Oh, Celia made this.'" – Celia Welch
Among Celia Welch's notable achievements is her association with Scarecrow Wine. The 2015 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted by Celia, received the highest rating on Vivino in 2019, solidifying its status as a benchmark in winemaking excellence. Scarecrow, founded in 2002, has become an iconic producer, with its inaugural vintage selling out briskly, a trend that continues with subsequent releases and fueled by the skillful consulting from Welch.
Corra Wines - A Personal Triumph
In addition to her consulting work, Celia founded her own brand, Corra Wines, in 2004. Corra, named after a Celtic deity symbolizing both harvest and prophecy, represents Celia's forward-looking perspective. Crafting powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon from prime vineyards in Oakville, Rutherford, and Pritchard Hill, Corra Wines is a celebration of Celia's winemaking journey coming full circle.
“The Most Influential Woman In Wine”
-The Drinks Business Magazine
Celia Welch's contributions to the world of wine have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored as Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine in 2008, recognized as one of Forbes.com's "Top Ten Tastemakers of 2006," and inducted into the Winemaker's Hall of Fame by the national chapter of Women for Winesense. Her accolades speak to the profound impact she has had on the industry.
Celia Welch's story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in winemaking. From childish intrigue to crafting some of Napa Valley's most distinguished wines, Celia's journey reflects a deep connection to the land, a profound understanding of terroir, and an unwavering commitment to the art and science of winemaking. As she continues to shape the future of the industry, Celia Welch remains an inspiration to aspiring winemakers and a leading light in the world of fine wines.