CEO & Winemaking Chief.
“Harvest is not only about turning grapes into wine, but it’s a reflection of Mother Nature’s work throughout the growing season.”
–Corey Beck
Corey Beck has more than 20 years of experience in the wine industry. Corey began his career in viticulture quite by accident, tagging alongside his grandfather who was the vineyard manager for Napa Valley’s renowned Chateau Montelena. Born and raised in Calistoga, Corey spent summer vacations working in the vineyards.
Upon earning his degree in Fermentation Science from the University of California at Davis, Corey returned to Chateau Montelena as their Cabernet Sauvignon Cellar Master, working with grapes his grandfather had planted in the 1970s – from the same vineyards that gained international recognition in the famous Judgment of Paris tasting. Wanting to broaden his repertoire, Corey joined Inglenook (formerly Rubicon Estate, Niebaum-Coppola) in 1998 as their assistant winemaker.
In 2006, the Coppola family purchased the historic Château Souverain property in Sonoma County, providing a home for the ever-popular Diamond Collection wines, and appointed Corey as director of winemaking and general manager. In the four years following what would become Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Corey worked alongside Francis to help revitalize the property and expand the wine operation. In 2010, after extensive renovations, the winery debuted new tasting rooms, two restaurants, a swimming pool, a movie gallery, a performing arts Pavilion and a park area with game tables and bocce courts. Not only did Corey oversee major components of the hospitality renovation, he also made improvements to the bottling line and winemaking facility. He grew the wine portfolio into the eleven distinct wine brands available today. His personal vision for Sonoma County wines can been seen in brands such as Francis Coppola Reserve, Director's Cut and Director's, showcasing Sonoma County’s unique appellations and vineyards. In 2014, Corey was promoted to president of Francis Ford Coppola Winery overseeing the overall business, while simultaneously continuing his role as director of winemaking.
In addition to managing a compelling destination winery, Corey and his team have created a strong grower relations program that their growers rely on and admire. From their hands-on techniques in the vineyards to their valuable winemaking goals and analytical feedback, Corey and his team are often regarded as leaders in the wine industry, known for their innovative and engaging approach to their network of 150+ grapegrowers.
A respected member of the Sonoma County community, Corey currently serves as president of the Sonoma County Vintners and is regularly involved in a variety of wine industry symposiums and advisory councils.
When asked about his true winemaking passion, Corey’s answer is always Petite Sirah. It’s not just Corey’s favorite varietal, it was a passion of his grandfather’s and one of the primary reasons Corey chose winemaking as a career.
