ABIGAIL ESTRADA
Winemaker – TEXTBOOK Vineyards; Associate Winemaker – Markham Vineyards- Distinguished Vineyard
Age: 32 First Industry Job: A Marketing & Lab Intern at Candido Winery in Puglia, Italy Favorite Drink: Either an Aperol Spritz or a dirty gin martini
At just 32, Abigail Estrada has already achieved what many winemakers hope to accomplish over an entire career. She has made wine on four continents, became the Assistant Winemaker at Napa Valley’ s historic Markham Vineyards at 27, and at only 28 became the Winemaker for TEXTBOOK Vineyards, showcasing a remarkable rise that speaks to her talent, discipline, and creative vision.
Estrada crafts wines known for their“ structure, restraint, and sense of place,” according to the vineyard, reflecting the hallmarks of the TEXTBOOK style. Under her leadership, TEXTBOOK has expanded beyond its Oakville roots to include acclaimed wines from Paso Robles, Sonoma Count, and Russian River Valley.
In 2024, she crafted special-edition Napa Valley and California Cabernet Sauvignons for San Francisco Giants
JOHN MCCARTHY
Director of vineyard operations Far Niente Wine Estates in Oakville, CA
Age: 37 First industry job: Viticulture technician for Beckstoffer Vineyards Favorite drink: En Route LePom pinot noir from the Russian River Valley
John McCarthy plays a pivotal role overseeing more than 450 acres of vineyards for Far Niente Wine Estates, which includes Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Bella Union, Post & Beam, EnRoute and Dolce. Far Niente’ s reputation for meticulous farming dates back more than 45 years, and during the past four years, he has led significant projects designed to safeguard vineyards against climate change.
His work includes updating farming practices, replanting key vineyards and applying precision viticulture techniques that strengthen stewardship and enhance wine quality. Reducing carbon footprint, water use, pest pressure and erosion outfielder Jung Hoo Lee(# 51). These limited release“ Born to Hit. Made to Inspire.” wines represent a groundbreaking cultural crossover between wine and sports.
Her career is defined by precision, ambition, and a commitment to making great wine accessible. At 32, she is not just helping to shape the next generation of California winemaking, she is helping to lead it.
“ My biggest goal is to protect the sense of curiosity that brought me into winemaking,” Estrada says.“ Exploring new varietals, new regions and new techniques fuels me. It’ s been exciting to bring that energy to expanding TEXTBOOK beyond Napa and into Paso Robles and Sonoma.”
“ I’ d love to continue growing globally,” she adds,“ furthering my wine explorations in Italy, exploring sparkling winemaking, and deepening my international perspective. The best wines in the world are rooted in place but open to possibility, and that’ s exactly the kind of winemaker I strive to be.”
In terms of navigating obstacles in her career, she says,“ The biggest challenge I’ ve had to overcome in my career has been imposter syndrome. Entering the industry as a young woman meant I had to learn to trust my skills. Over time, with mentorship, hard work, and a lot of harvest seasons behind me, I’ ve embraced the confidence to lead, speak up, and take risks.”
Estrada also serves on the Board of the Napa Valley Wine Technical Group, one of the region’ s oldest professional organizations. This role allows her to contribute to Napa’ s technical advancement through shared research, education and innovation.
also improves the health of vines, soil and the climate.
McCarthy has made measurable improvements in sustainability, efficiency in key vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma counties, advancing vineyard health, improving resiliency and elevating fruit quality. Projects include replanting Far Niente’ s historic Stelling Vineyard in Oakville; optimizing the Grand Sky vineyard in Carneros; and integrating new vineyards at the Bella Union Estate in Rutherford.
Recognizing the critical importance of land preservation, McCarthy was deeply involved in a project on the Bella Union estate property that dedicated 50 acres of wetlands and other natural habitats to the Bale Slough / Bear Creek watershed restoration project, a tributary stream that joins the Napa River.
McCarthy brings together vineyard teams, winemakers and consultants to find creative, science-based solutions, always keeping wine quality as his end goal. His leadership encourages curiosity and shared learning, and he’ s known for being a good listener who is open to exploring new concepts.
His contributions have strengthened some of California’ s most notable vineyards, and he also shares his knowledge with other leaders. McCarthy’ s approach and commitment to collaboration exemplify the next generation of wine industry leaders.
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