In 2013, at the age of 29, rising star Heidi Bridenhagen was named just the third winemaker in the storied history of MacRostie Winery and Vineyards. A decade later, she is Director of Winemaking, having earned more than 500 scores of 90 points or more for MacRostie’s acclaimed portfolio of wines. Guided by a passion for sustainability and a belief in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable wine industry, Heidi has emerged as a dynamic and empowering leader. Recognized for her collaborative spirit, winemaking acumen, and commitment to opening doors for the next generation of women industry leaders.

Before joining MacRostie and rising through the ranks, Heidi’s approach to winemaking was shaped by a unique background. This included earning a degree in biochemistry, traveling throughout the wine regions of France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, working in the cellar at Oyster Bay in New Zealand, and honing her craft alongside renowned winemakers Mick Schroeter and Cara Morrison at Sonoma-Cutrer. Prior to being named MacRostie’s winemaker, Heidi spent two years as our assistant winemaker, where she worked side-by-side with Founder Steve MacRostie. This diversity of experience has played a pivotal role in creating MacRostie’s expanded lineup of vineyard-designate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. While these wines are deeply rooted in the vineyards they come from, they also reflect MacRostie’s signature style, offering beautiful balance, vibrant flavors, and impeccable structure.

“Carrying on the traditions of an iconic winery, while helping to chart the course for its future, is an undertaking that requires respect, thoughtfulness, and vision,” says Heidi. “When I was named winemaker, I embraced the opportunities both to learn and to lead. Like Steve [MacRostie], who I am proud to call a friend and mentor, I strive to bring inquisitiveness and absolute attention to the details that are essential for great winemaking to my role.”

Heidi immediately worked to establish one of the Sonoma Coast’s most acclaimed vineyard programs, including sites farmed by legendary winegrowers like the Duttons, Sangiacomos, and Martinellis. She also completely reimagined our Pinot Noir program, helping to design a new small-lot Pinot Noir winery that has elevated our Pinots to the world-class levels of our famed Chardonnays. Heidi also launched MacRostie’s acclaimed sparkling wine program and established Clockwise, where she and her team can apply the techniques and traditions of MacRostie to new wine regions and varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.

“At MacRostie, I’ve found a winemaking home that embraces my desire to innovate. I am constantly running numerous small-lot trials in areas that include extraction levels, whole clusters, tannin management, cold soak durations, yeast strains, barrel versus tank fermentation, and more.” Leveraging her background in biochemistry, Heidi applies the rigor of a scientist with the soul of an artist in her approach to winemaking. As a result, she has been recognized for making many of the finest wines in our history.

In addition, Heidi has long helped to spearhead our sustainability efforts and played a key role in MacRostie earning the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing accreditation. Heidi also oversaw the design and planting of our 74-acre Nightwing Vineyard in the up-and-coming Petaluma Gap AVA, where she serves on the board of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowing Alliance.

A Commitment to Mentorship

In 2022, Heidi took another important step as a mentor and leader for young women wine professionals when she joined the Bâtonnage Women in Wine Mentorship Program, which supports individuals who have traditionally been overlooked to achieve equal opportunities, equal representation, and especially, equal leadership positions within the wine industry. Heidi began her involvement as a Level 1 and Level 2 Mentor. As a Level 1 Mentor, she worked with six young women professionals in different wine industry fields, hosting a series of meetups, and guiding conversations that spanned a series of topics from personal and professional growth to networking and other topics designed to support career advancement.

As a Level 2 Mentor, she worked one-on-one with a mentee for eight weeks to establish specific goals for the mentee, and to develop strategies for success. “It was a very intensive interaction that was fun, emotional, challenging, and rewarding,” says Heidi. “I think we both learned a lot from the experience, and I hope that I was able to help support another female in the industry to achieve her goals. Having a safe space to share ideas and be vulnerable can go a long way in fueling someone’s success.” Heidi continues to be actively involved in Bâtonnage as both a Level 1 and Level 2 Mentor.