The Team
The Winemaker, Timothy Milos
A fifth-generation Bay Area native, Tim grew up exploring the hills of rural west Marin, working in construction, reading countless books, and cooking. Despite diverse interests in philosophy, history and politics, a passion for the sciences led to studies in cell biology and biochemistry at Sonoma State, and molecular plant pathology at Cornell University. While working towards his PhD, he switched gears, and in 1997, headed back to his native California to study enology and viticulture at UC Davis.
“Wine is at the intersection of science, culture, and art. It is a culmination of the relationship of the vine with its environment, and of the winegrower with the tradition of the art. Every fermentation,” he says, “is a living system. It has its own ecology, and it evolves over time. It is as complex a matrix as one could study.” While at UC Davis, Tim worked harvests at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Opus One, and then, after a stint in Australia, was named winemaker at S. Anderson Vineyard. His first wines at S. Anderson landed on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of the world. In 2004 he began consulting in Napa Valley, then in Sonoma and beyond.
The Vineyard Manager, Barbour Vineyards LLC
Founded in 1990 by Jim Barbour, Barbour Vineyards LLC is one of Napa Valley’s leading vineyard management and development companies. Its clients include producers of some of the Valley’s most sought-after wines and owners of its most respected vineyards.
About Jim Barbour
Jim Barbour was raised in Napa Valley and grew up working on his family’s ranch in Rutherford. With over 30 years of experience, he has become one of Napa’s most respected viticulturalists. During the span of his career, Jim has developed and managed over 1,200 acres of wine grapes. In addition to Aloft, he has worked with such names as Blankiet, Grace Family, Hundred Acre, DR Stephens, Pillar Rock, Revana, Pride, Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, Barnett and Von Strasser Vineyards. He received a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science (Viticulture) from the University of California-Davis.
About Nate George
Nate George was born and raised in Napa and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Oregon State University. He’s worked with Jim for over 13 years developing and managing some of the Valley’s best vineyards. Prior to joining Barbour Vineyards, he worked for the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s office for 14 years. He and his wife, Kathy George (Assistant Winemaker at Raymond Vineyards and Cellars) have two daughters, Layne and Annie.
About Jesus Rios
Jesus Rios was born in Llano, Michoacan and moved to the Napa Valley in 1986 where he landed a job with Burgess Cellars. He then worked at Frank Wood & Son, doing vineyard management for some of Napa’s most respected vineyards. He joined Barbour Vineyards in 1991 and became a partner in 2003. He lives in Napa with his wife, Lupe, and their children, Jesus and Mayra.
Ron and Sue-Marie selected Barbour Vineyards LLC because Barbour adds a wonderful breadth of experience honed over decades.
Haber Family Vineyards is honored to be accepted as one of the farms they are taking care of and very happy to be in the hands of both Tim Milos and the Barbour team.