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108 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 6 ctress Drew Barrymore was a mere six years old when she stole the hearts of a generation through her portrayal of Gertie in Steven Spielberg's 1982 mega-hit "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." She subsequently became one of the most popular child stars of her time and has grown into adulthood as a versatile and successful actress and pro- ducer in a wide range of film projects. Now the mother of two daughters of her own, she has matured into a highly respected member of the film community and has branched out into other business ventures, including cosmetics and accessories. Appropriately enough, Barrymore was born in Culver City, the site of several major movie studios where hundreds of the most-loved films of all time were produced. She began acting at a tender age: one story says she worked in a dog food commercial at the age of 11 months. Hers is a storied lineage in the world of show business, as her father was John Drew Barrymore, son of the legendary John Barrymore. Barrymore has recently entered the wine business, partnering with Carmel Road in Soledad (a division of Jackson Family Wines). She has worked with winemaker Kris Kato to craft three varietals: Drew's Blend Pinot Noir, Barrymore Pinot Grigio and Barrymore Rosé of Pinot Noir. "When I came to work at Carmel Road a couple of years ago, Drew was already talking with the Jackson team," Kato says. "She really wanted to part- ner with a family owned, California-based company." Should anyone think that Barrymore wines are simply the vanity project of a Hollywood luminary, Kato puts that idea to rest. "She's a very down-to-earth, real person. I was skeptical at first, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Drew spends time in the vineyards and we do blending sessions. She comes to the winery or if she's on the road, I'll travel to her and we'll blend in a hotel room. Drew is very adamant about being hands-on, but always in the context of partnership and collaboration." Carmel Magazine recently caught up with Drew Barrymore to learn about her passion for wine and winemaking. A Photo: Blake Bronstad