Veteran California winemaker passes on the baton at Bricoleur

Bricoleur Vineyards has announced Cary Gott’s replacement following the Zinfandel pioneer’s retirement in October after working a staggering 55 harvests across California during his career. But who will build on his “extraordinary legacy”?

When Cary Gott retired in October, it marked the end of a 55-year-long winemaking career which begun as a cellar hand at Sterling Vineyards in Napa in 1970. The following decades saw him working with Seagram’s Classics Wine Company, Monterey Vineyards, Corbett Canyon Vineyards and Mumm Napa Valley among others, as well as founding his own two successful companies Monteviña Wines in Amador County and Vineyard & Winery Estates in St. Helena.

He was also something of an incubator for local wine talent. Speaking to North Bay biz in 2017 Gott called himself “a dream weaver for people who want be in the wine business. Hold my hand and I’ll pull you in!”

Known as the ‘King of Californian Zinfandel’, Gott announced his retirement in October 2025 from his position as winemaker at Bricoleur Vineyards, which he had held for the last almost eight years. Sharing the news of his retirement, Bricoleur CEO Sarah Citron said that Gott’s 55 vintages had “helped to define California wine.”

A month later, Bricoleur has revealed who will be taking over from Gott at the 63-acre (25.4ha) organically-farmed estate spanning Sonoma’s Russian River Valley and Fountaingrove District.

New Bricoleur winemaker Tom Pierson (far right), with mentors Cary Gott (centre) and Bob Cabral (far left).
Next generation

Gott’s assistant winemaker Tom Pierson, who joined Bricoleur in 2019, will be stepping into his shoes.

According to the winery’s CEO, Pierson’s “hands-on approach and technical precision mirrors the ethos established by Gott”.

“Tom’s promotion ensures the next generation of Bricoleur winemaking builds on Cary’s extraordinary legacy while continuing to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of Sonoma County,” said Citron. “Our belief is that wine is about more than what’s in the glass, it’s about fostering connection, creating traditions, and savouring shared moments.”

Pierson brings with him a degree in agricultural science, a Winemaking Certificate from UC Davis, and early experience at Punchdown Cellars in Santa Rosa.

“As we enter this next chapter at Bricoleur, I’m focused on carrying Gott’s philosophy forward, crafting wines that reflect the land and inspiring a new generation to see how thoughtful, well-made wines can elevate the dinner table and bring people together,” said Pierson.

Winemaker Bob Cabral, who joined Gott and Pierson in 2023, will “still very much be involved”, Bricoleur told db. “He and Tom will be working collaboratively.”

The producer added that looking ahead it plans to “expand national distribution, deepen direct-to-consumer relationships, and advance regenerative farming across its vineyards.”