Mercer Estates in Prosser has announced that Richard Hood has been named its assistant winemaker.

Hood, an experienced winemaker and graduate of the UC Davis wine program, will assist Head Winemaker David Forsyth in the vineyard and cellar.

“At Mercer Estates we work tirelessly to integrate environmental awareness and sustainability into every phase of cultivation and production,” said Forsyth.

“Hood’s hands-on experience and ecological practices coupled with extensive time spent in the vineyard is an ideal fit for the Mercer Estates vineyard-centric approach to winemaking.

“It is vitally important to understand the fundamentals of both soil and plants in order expand upon that knowledge to create uniquely expressive wines,” said Hood. “The distinct appellations and microclimates of the Columbia Valley, and Mercer Estates’ non-interventionist philosophy offer exciting opportunities for winemaking.” 

Hood was born and raised in San Diego, and developed an interest in wine while attending college.

He went on to pursue a M.S. at UC Davis after completing undergraduate studies in Biology at San Diego State.  

Hood has worked on the winemaking team at Fallbrook Winery as Enologist and then Assistant Winemaker, and most recently as an Enologist at E&J Gallo Winery in Healdsburg, Calif.