Winemaker: Andres Basso

Andres Basso brings to Lynfred a background in winemaking begun in his native country of Chile, extending not only into the Midwest and Eastern Coast of the United States, but also into Napa Valley in California and the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington state. After graduating with the honor of Maximum Distinction from the Universidad de Chile for his degree in Agronomy Engineering, Andres worked for both Viña Carmen and Viña Cono Sur in Chile. He then moved to the United States with his family to continue the pursuit of fine winemaking. After two years at Lynfred in the late 90's, he worked in 2000 for Merryvale in Napa Valley and then made high-scoring, award-winning wines for Gordon Brothers in Columbia Valley in 2001 and 2002. In 2003, he took the job of Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Tarara, a lovely, unique farm winery located on the banks of the Potomac River in Northern Virginia. But, at the opportunity to return to Lynfred in 2004, Andres jumped. At Lynfred, Andres feels that he can make the best wines possible in an atmosphere conducive to reaching an audience who appreciates a wide variety of wines, including traditional varietals, modern blends, and is able to easily welcome all of the other fruit wines that can be so delightful and appetizing. He also feels that Lynfred benefits from its location in that fruit can be sourced from all over the United States and then can be made into wine right here in Roselle. According to Andres, "The great advantage of being here is that I can enjoy the broader variety of flavors which are available because I am not limited to creating wines from only one growing region." The flexibility Lynfred offers to Andres in being able to acquire the highest quality fruit,combined with well-honed winemaking techniques and an exceptional palate, make a great fit and in the end mean that an excellent array of wines is available to our customers. Aside from crushing, constantly analyzing colors and assessing bouquets, not to mention tasting (and, of course, spitting!), Andres enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. Together they like to ski as well as watch and play soccer and tennis. Andres also happens to have a passion for a slightly more unusual sport, one for which he achieved a Bronze Medal in the Junior South American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay, as one of Chile's representatives in Hammer Throwing. He's always on the hunt for a Hammer circle and cage. Andres invites you to enjoy Lynfred's beautiful wines which are hand-crafted especially for you, Lynfred's loyal and ever-growing group of wine club members and tasting room patrons.

Annual Production: 30,000 cases