Honoring Greg Allen, Winemaker, Dolce
Greg Allen has been ever present in the evolution of Far Niente Wine Estates and his impact across our company has been felt in many ways, but most profoundly in his capacity as the winemaker for Dolce. For over two decades, Greg has tirelessly worked to produce our luxury dessert wine with careful execution and creativity resulting in Dolce being recognized as one of the greatest dessert wines in the world.
Greg has decided to embrace new adventures but is not leaving Dolce production completely. In May, Greg will transition from his full-time role to that of a consultant to ensure the continuity of Dolce and mentor our next generation winemaker. His wit and intelligence are second to none, and while we will miss seeing him daily in the winery, we know his impact and contributions will continue in other ways into the future.
As shared by Andrew Delos, V.P. of Winemaking, “after working with Greg for over 20 years, what I have come to respect most about him, aside from his winemaking brilliance, is the passion he has for this company and his fellow employees. He is quick to smile and always made everyone feel a part of the Far Niente Family”.
Looking back, we were so fortunate to have played a part of Greg’s journey into winemaking, which did not start that way when Greg set out to earn a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. But the lure of making wine—Dolce in particular—eventually won his loyalty.
A San Diego native, Allen graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and worked at California’s Mare Island Naval Shipyard as an engineer for the Department of Defense. When Mare Island closed, Allen enrolled in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. A lab colleague regularly shared wines over lunch with Allen and told him about the Enology program at the University of California at Davis. Boston’s harsh winter motivated Allen to contact the school and make an appointment to visit over spring break.
The rest, as they say, is history. While enrolled at Davis, Allen won an internship with Far Niente Winery, which was making the only American version of Chateau D’Yquem named Dolce. Additional internships in the US and abroad followed. Allen returned to work as assistant winemaker for Dolce before being promoted to winemaker in 2001. Under his stewardship Dolce has exceeded its status as the finest American late-harvest wine with a loyal consumer following and critical acclaim, including over twenty-one 90+ point scores awarded to Dolce since 2001.
Beth Nickel, Proprietress had some thoughts to share, “Greg has been such a cherished employee in the nearly 25 years that he has been a part of our family. He has always quietly been “the smartest guy in the room” while he gently made his way into our hearts and souls as a beloved member of our winery team. "
Thank you Greg!
