Murphys, CA…We just made the sad confirmation with the Hovey Winery Tasting Room that local wine industry icon and pioneer Chuck Hovey has passed away. We will publish his obituary and memorial details when the family has had the time to make all the arraignments. Below is a brief bio on Chuck from Hovey Wines.

“After nearly 20 years as the Director of Winemaking for Stevenot Winery in Murphys in the famed Sierra Foothills of California, Chuck Hovey’s professional reputation for quality, consistency and excellence is a well established .

Chuck started his career at J Lohr Winery in San Jose, where he worked for six years. It was great on the job training.

Haven fallen in love with the Sierra Foothills on a quick visit through the area, Chuck was thrilled when he was offered a position at Stevenot Winery as Assistant Winemaker. Five years later in 1988, he was promoted to Director of Winemaking in charge of all production, and so began a Golden Age for Stevenot Winery. He brought the winery national recognition, receiving over 500 medals at major wine competitions and repeated favorable reviews in major publications and newspapers.

Over last two decades, Chuck, with his pioneering spirit, created some of the most impressive and innovative wines that the Sierra Foothills American Viticultural Area (AVA) has seen. He introduced such varietals as Tempranillo, Albarino and Verdelho into the mainstream market. Chuck’s winemaking style and finesse is unmistakable – his passion is contagious.

The 2008 release of Chuck’s 2007 Chardonnay marked the realization of a life­long dream, one dedicated to producing the finest wines the Sierra has ever seen … with the Hovey name on the bottle!

Chuck quickly added the Hovey Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Barbera and Viognier. Production and sales doubled in less than a two ­year period. Since then, several other varietals have been added, including the Isabel Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cinsaut, Sangiovese Rosato and the C2 White and Red blends. Winery growth and expansion continue upwards!

Chuck continues to be involved in the daily operations of the winery. He enjoys the long term relationships he has developed with the growers and looks to the future with new additions to the Hovey wine portfolio. Chuck feels that he has the ability to not only continue his winemaking legacy, but to surpass it. When you taste Hovey Wine, we are sure you’ll agree!”