Remembering Our Icons
As we stand on the brink of 2025, it’s a fitting time to remember the remarkable personalities from the wine industry who passed away over the past year.
The losses in 2024 were certainly profound, particularly as we bid farewell to titans like Warren Winiarski, Enrico Scavino, Terry Robards, and the visionary architect Howard Backen.
On December 30, 2024, amid the excitement of new beginnings, the editorial team at Wine Spectator pauses to reflect on these influential figures who shaped the world of wine with their creativity and passion.
Contributions to the Industry
This year, we experienced the painful loss of several key players in California’s wine scene, with Warren Winiarski, Jan Shrem, and Eleanor Coppola among them.
Their contributions have been essential in defining the Napa Valley that we know today.
Howard Backen’s architectural designs also left a lasting impression on the region’s visual landscape.
The Italian winemaking community mourns the passing of Enrico Scavino and Marco Felluga, who concluded illustrious careers that influenced many.
We also said goodbye to industry stalwarts like Harvey Chaplin and Neil Empson, as well as the esteemed educator Terry Robards.
These individuals have set standards and inspired countless others, leaving behind rich legacies that deserve our recognition.
For a deeper look into their lives and contributions, feel free to explore their individual tributes by clicking their names.
- Howard Backen: A world-renowned architect, Backen’s work in designing wineries, restaurants, and residences has transformed Napa Valley’s aesthetic landscape.
- Harvey Chaplin: Chaplin’s leadership turned a modest wine and spirits distribution business into a multibillion-dollar operation, reshaping the landscape of the liquor industry.
- Eleanor Coppola: A multifaceted talent as a filmmaker, artist, author, and vintner, Coppola was instrumental in revitalizing Inglenook winery and blending her passions for film and wine.
- Neil Empson: A pioneer in the importation of Italian wines, Empson crafted a remarkable legacy that continues to resonate within the industry.
- Marco Felluga: Famed for producing exceptional white wines, Felluga established one of Friuli’s most respected wineries—his craft embodied excellence.
- Terry Robards: An influential advocate for fine wine in America, Robards shared his deep knowledge through his work as a critic for The New York Times and as a columnist for Wine Spectator, educating countless wine lovers.
- Enrico Scavino: Celebrated for his innovative approach to winemaking in Piedmont, Scavino seamlessly integrated traditional practices with modern techniques, delivering remarkable wines.
- Jan Shrem: The founder of Clos Pegase winery, Shrem was not only influential in California’s wine community but also a generous philanthropist and avid art collector.
- Warren Winiarski: A legendary figure in Napa Valley’s winemaking history, Winiarski established Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, renowned for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and pivotal role in the region’s acclaim.
Legacies That Inspire
As we usher in a new year, we carry with us the memories and legacies of these talented individuals.
Their impact continues to inspire and mold the future of the wine industry for many years to come.
Source: Winespectator
