Spenser Igo of McPherson Cellars Winemaker Profile

If you have been enjoying Texas wine for any length of time, most likely you have heard of McPherson Cellars owned by Kim McPherson. You may not be aware though there is an assistant winemaker at McPherson Cellars, and that winemaker is Spenser Igo. The winery is located in Lubbock, but you can find their wines all over the state. We highly suggest getting some wines made by Spenser and Kim. We are proud to feature Spenser Igo!

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

This is my first career path. I studied enology and viticulture at Texas Tech.

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

The toughest challenge is getting a consistent grape product. Due to inclement weather, yields and chemistry of wine grapes are irregular from year to year. We are learning new techniques and using new technology to combat the weather and produce a consistent product.

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

Winemaking is a mix of both. Finding the right balance between both is the difficult part. I prefer the art side of things with low intervention but sometimes a wine requires us to “throw the book at it.”

4. What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

Wellfleet oysters and a nice Albariño.

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

I had an interest in international banking when I was younger.

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

Growing up in California, I was around many wineries. I met a few winemakers through my father and was able to see their intense passion and connection to the land. Those two factors inspired me to make wine. I have been making wine for 11 years now.

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

“What is your favorite wine?” This is a difficult question to answer because it really depends on the mood and the food.

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

Cook dinner and have a glass of wine.

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

Experiencing the new challenges that each new year brings. Every year there is something new to learn.

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

I am trying to produce a varietally correct wine that is very approachable and drinkable for everyone.

11. Anything else you would like to add?

Get out there and try some Texas wine!!