Meredith Eaton of Firelight Vineyards Winemaker Profile

Meredith Eaton is the winemaker and co-owner of Firelight Vineyards in Valley View, Texas. The winery opened in 2015 and has been doing great, even selling out some of their wines when we visited a over a year ago. I am sure that is partly due to the great winemaking done by Meredith, so this month we are glad to feature Meredith Eaton as the monthly winemaker profile.

1. What did you do before becoming a winemaker (if anything)?

I sold building materials for custom home builders for a few years, and I also worked as a manager for a wonderful property management company for about five years, but most importantly I was a stay-at-home mom until my youngest daughter started Kindergarten. After that, I decided to go back to school to extend my knowledge in winemaking and learn the art of grape growing.

2. What is the toughest challenge about being a winemaker in Texas?

Disease pressure.

3. Is winemaking an art or a science or both?

Definitely both.

4. What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

Popcorn and dry red wine…with a little drama T.V.

5. If you didn’t make wine, what would you do?

I have always been fascinated with forensic science and psychology.

6. What first attracted you to winemaking and how long have you been doing it?

My husband first had the idea of learning to make wine and I quickly fell in love with the whole process. We started as hobby winemakers about 13-ish years ago.

7. What is the most common question you are asked as a winemaker?

For this industry, I think my age and gender are a bit surprising to most people, so I am always asked how I got started in winemaking.

8. After a long day in the winery or vineyard, what do you do?

I put on my mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend hat…and then I pour myself a glass of wine!

9. What’s the greatest part about being a winemaker?

The incredible relationships I get to build with the most amazing people.

10. What is your winemaking philosophy, that is, what are you trying to achieve with your wines?

I have different goals in mind for each wine before I start the process of making them. There are wines I make with the idea of a party or celebration in mind, and some with an upscale dinner or tasting in mind, plus everything in between. My philosophy is that making a wine is more about the people drinking the wine, and the many different occasions that a specific wine style can enhance. I believe that wine is meant to enrich life experiences.

11. Anything else you would like to add?

I learn something new every day, and I love that I will be a student for life in the arts of grape growing and winemaking.