Stephen Barnard

The Climb

Training at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute gave Stephen Barnard a base in the agricultural side of winegrowing before he moved into front-of-house work at Groot Constantia in Cape Town, South Africa, as tour guide / tasting room staff. Since 2002, that scope has extended across both cellar and vineyard at Keswick Vineyards, where Barnard is winemaker and vineyard manager, while also serving as president of the Monticello Wine Trail.

Today

The work sits across multiple parts of the business, and Barnard has said, “I really enjoy all aspects of what is involved,” a plain statement that matches a role split between vineyard, cellar, and the broader trade network.

Signature

Barnard's signature wines include 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Estate Grown Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The list points to a working lane centered on Cabernet in both estate and reserve forms, with the varietal carried across multiple bottlings.

In Their Words “Not sure about a calling, but I do love this industry.” “I just ferment grapes and put it into a bottle.”

Recognition

Barnard's honors include Virginia Governor's Cup. In trade terms, that places his work in a judged regional field rather than in abstract acclaim.