Bo Barrett

James P. “Bo” Barrett took over the role of Chief Executive Officer at Chateau Montelena Winery following the passing of his father, James L. “Jim” Barrett, in March 2013. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Master Winemaker for over 30 years. Bo’s career in the wine industry began in the summer of 1972, when his family purchased the historic stone building and estate vineyards in Calistoga, California. He spent the first summer working in the old vineyards, pulling star thistle and picking up rocks in preparation for replanting.
Bo has been involved in every vintage at Chateau Montelena since the winery’s rebirth 1972. His intimate knowledge of the Estate vineyard, gained over 40 years, provides him with a wealth of experience that allows him, year after year, to “bring the vintage and the vineyard to your table in a wine that is elegant, balanced and enjoyable.”
In 1976 Bo transferred to Fresno State University, where he was an honors student in Viticulture and Enology. As 1981 drew to a close, Chateau Montelena’s Winemaker left to pursue other opportunities and Bo was offered the job by his father, the winery’s Managing General Partner. “When I told my dad I would think about it, I was concerned about what it would do to our relationship.  I thought about it for two days and finally told him that I would need to have the freedom and professional respect he had shown the previous winemakers.  He agreed, and that’s how its was.
When not making wine, Bo enjoys flying, scuba diving, skiing, and spending time with his wife, Heidi, and his three children.