Winemaking is an age-old craft, but some innovators are taking this tradition and adding their own unique twist, blending passion, experimentation, and a commitment to sustainability. From small-town vineyards in New Hampshire to internationally acclaimed wineries in Europe and South America, these winemakers are redefining what’s possible with a bottle of wine. Let’s meet the individuals who are changing the game.
Amy LaBelle – LaBelle Winery, New Hampshire
Amy LaBelle’s story is one of both ambition and heart. Starting in 2010, Amy took on the challenge of creating world-class wines in a place where few believed it could be done: New Hampshire. With her husband, Cesar Arboleda, by her side, LaBelle has turned her Amherst winery into a destination for wine lovers from all over.
Her wines reflect her philosophy—blending the best of traditional methods with modern innovation. She sources grapes and fruit locally and from trusted growers across the country. Her focus has always been on quality. You can expect everything from rich reds to fragrant whites in her lineup, each carrying the unique signature of New England’s distinct climate.
Isabelle Legeron – RAW Wine, France
In the world of natural wine, Isabelle Legeron is a name you’re sure to hear. Isabelle made history as the first woman to become a Master of Wine while specializing in natural wines—a feat not easily achieved. Based in France, she’s taken her passion for organic and sustainable winemaking to new heights, founding the RAW Wine movement, which has since gained global recognition.
What sets Isabelle apart is her steadfast commitment to purity in wine. She advocates for minimal intervention, where wine is crafted with little to no additives and each bottle reflects the natural beauty of its origins. Isabelle dares to celebrate wine in its rawest form in an industry that often focuses on consistency and mass production. Through her work, she’s challenged winemakers and drinkers alike to rethink what they expect from wine and embrace the natural imperfections that make it truly special.
Ernst Loosen – Dr. Loosen, Germany
Ernst Loosen has always connected deeply to the Mosel Valley in Germany, a region celebrated for its stunning rieslings. But when he took over the family winery in the late 1980s, he was determined to bring their wines to a new level. Ernst began modernizing the winery, incorporating new techniques while remaining faithful to the traditional methods passed down through generations.
Today, Dr. Loosen is recognized internationally, with its rieslings known for their balance of bright acidity and mineral undertones, making them some of the most revered in the world. Ernst’s respect for the land shines through his minimal intervention approach, allowing the terroir to take center stage in every glass. It’s this combination of old-world tradition and modern flair that has elevated his wines—and the entire Mosel region—on the global stage.
Laura Catena – Bodega Catena Zapata, Argentina
In the heart of Argentina’s Uco Valley, Laura Catena spearheads a movement that has redefined Argentinian winemaking. As the managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata, she’s taken the family’s deep roots in malbec production and combined them with cutting-edge research and science-driven innovation. Laura is a winemaker and a trained medical doctor, giving her a unique perspective on the art and science of wine.
By experimenting with high-altitude vineyards and sustainable practices, she’s helped elevate malbec, a once-overlooked grape, to international prominence. Her work doesn’t stop at winemaking, though—she’s heavily involved in research that continues to push the boundaries of viticulture, making her a force to be reckoned with in both South American and global wine industries.
Adriana Ochoa – Bodegas Ochoa, Spain
In Spain, winemaking is often passed down through generations, and Adriana Ochoa represents the best of this tradition with a fresh twist. As a sixth-generation winemaker at Bodegas Ochoa, Adriana has honored her family’s legacy while forging her own path forward. Her wines are deeply rooted in Navarra’s unique terroir, but what sets her apart is her willingness to experiment and innovate, especially with sustainable practices.
Adriana’s wines are celebrated for their elegance, balance, and bold flavors. Whether it’s her innovative blends or her commitment to environmentally friendly farming, she’s set a new standard for modern winemaking in Spain. Her approach—mixing tradition with technology—has earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting winemakers in the country.
Chad Stock – Minimus Wines, Oregon, USA
Chad Stock is a bit of a rule-breaker in the best way possible. As the founder of Minimus Wines in Oregon, he has made a name for himself by doing things his way, and it’s earned him a loyal following. Chad isn’t afraid to challenge norms, from experimenting with unconventional blends to introducing new grape varietals to the region. His wines reflect his belief that winemaking should be fun, exploratory, and—most of all—creative.
For Chad, winemaking is all about breaking away from traditional expectations. His wines often defy categorization, which is exactly what his fans love about them. Minimus Wines has become a beacon for those seeking something different, with Chad’s approach inspiring a new wave of winemakers to follow their instincts and embrace experimentation.
These winemakers are proving that the future of wine is bright and diverse. From Amy LaBelle’s work in New Hampshire to Chad Stock’s boundary-pushing wines in Oregon, these pioneers bring something unique to the table. They’re not just making wine—they’re shaping an entire industry, inspiring winemakers and wine lovers alike to think differently about the possibilities within every bottle.
