Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/748197
110 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 Carmel Magazine: The Barrymore wine brand has been in existence for several years, and you collaborated with an Italian firm to produce a Pinot Grigio. Most any wine producer would have been pleased to partner with you on a line of wines. What was it about Jackson Family Wines and Carmel Road that made you choose to work with them? Drew Barrymore: I first started making wine out of Italy about eight years ago, and it was an invaluable learning experience. The first wine that I fell in love with was Pinot Grigio, so to spend time where some of the finest Pinot Grigio is grown and made was an incredible education for me. I was excit- ed to apply all of that knowl- edge stateside in partnership with Jackson Family Wines. What excited me about working with Jackson Family Wines was our similar vision: to be prolific and make lots of different varietals. We have launched three wines since our partnership began in 2014: Barrymore by Carmel Road Pinot Grigio, Drew's Blend Pinot Noir and just this year, our Barrymore Wines Rosé of Pinot Noir. CM: Carmel Roads winemaker Kris Kato told us that you've been quite hands on during the creation of the three wines that bear your name. He said you were quite passionate about it. Can you elucidate what it is about the wine- making process that excites you the most? DB: Kris and I have really loved our process and he is the best partner! We have similar palates. Whenever I'm traveling and find a wine that I like, I'll send it to Kris. We go back and forth a lot when it comes to getting the wines just right. We both really care. Every aspect of making wine with this whole group is a true pleasure! CM: You are involved in several business ven- tures, including Flower Beauty, Eyewear and Films. What is it about the wine business that attracted you? DB: Wine was always something I loved, but I didn't know the business side like I do now. I have learned so much. Applying yourself to things you love makes you love them more. And if you can do in life what you love, then you are blessed beyond belief. Wine is a tough business. It always inspires me to hear what the sales teams have to say— what's working and what's not. I love conveying our story to them. Our motto is "from our fam- ily to yours" and I really love the feeling of having my wines at the table during those special time- less moments. CM: Is there anything specifically about California grapes and wines that informed your decision to work with Jackson Family/ Carmel Road? DB: As much as I loved working in Italy, at the end of the day, I'm a Cali girl. Was born here. Raised here. Live here. It just made so much sense to make wines here in California too. The Carmel Road Win- ery's location—the combina- tion of being inland from Monterey's coastline but still close to the ocean—creates wines that are full of vibrant colors and flavors. They really are special grapes. And family is so important to me—whether it's biological or the people you choose to invite into your life and call your family. And from the first meeting with Jackson Family, there was zero doubt that this was a family business. Every person that works with Jackson Family is truly part of their family. CM: Can you pinpoint a moment in your life Barrymore is highly passionate about the wines that bear her name. She plays an active role in every step of production, from the grapes in the vineyard to the flavor profile in the bottle to the packaging. 'Applying yourself to things you love makes you love them more. And if you can do in life what you love, then you are blessed beyond belief.' ~Drew Barrymore Photo: Brooke Duthie