Submitted by Westport Winery
After an extensive search Washington’s Westport Winery selected Jen Bauer as their head winemaker. The Roberts family received applicants from around the world for this position. Bauer was their top choice.
Winery co-owner Kim Roberts said, “Jennifer had significant awards in her resume for grape wines. She also had a depth of experience making fruit wine that we wanted on our team. When we spoke on the phone I had an immediate connection with her.”
With offers from a variety of wineries, Bauer said she chose Westport because, “I hope to make wines almost as great as the Roberts family; smart, elegant, great structure, and fun with lots of attitude.” They agree that Jen’s irreverent sense of humor is a good fit with the family’s unconventional approach to the business of making fine wine.
Blain Roberts said, “Jennifer is a remarkable young winemaker. But beyond that we needed to find someone who would fit in our family. Jen has a great sense of humor and loyalty that we all appreciate.” Kim Roberts added, “It is our responsibility and privilege as a family and winery to honor the grape growers with whom we partner. We believe Jen will help us on that quest.”
Prior to joining the Westport Winery team Bauer was the assistant winemaker at Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City, South Dakota. Before that she worked in California at EOS Winery in Paso Robles, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers in Parlier, Wild Horse in Templeton, and Pyramid Brewing in Berkley.
Jennifer has a degree in Ecology in Systematic Biology with concentration in Water Chemistry and Microbial Ecology from Cal Poly.
Westport’s Director of Winemaking Dana Roberts will collaborate with Jennifer as he takes the role of Chief Operating Officer for his family’s winery. His sister Carrie is the Chief Financial Officer.
When you visit Westport Winery Garden Resort be sure to explore the unique sculpture garden, lavender labyrinth, musical fence, 9-hole executive golf course, giant chess set, outdoor scrabble game, and grape maze, all located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road halfway between Aberdeen and Westport. You will see why four times this has been voted Best of the Northwest Wine Destination.
These award-winning wines are exclusively available at the resort. The tasting room, gift shop, produce market, plant nursery, bakery and gardens, are open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for dinner on Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information contact Westport Winery Garden Resort at 360-648-2224 or visit the website atwww.westportwinery.com.
