Following his high school graduation, Robert entered the University of California, Davis, and began his studies in the viticulture and enology program. Even still, on weekends and during breaks, Robert was found at the winery working on his practical experience. In 1979, midway through his junior year at UC Davis his father asked Robert to interview some of the Davis Grads applying for a position at ZD. Robert offered his hands on experience mixed with his shortened academic studies and took over the position himself. First, he participated in the building of ZD's new winery in Rutherford. In the ensuing years, Robert moved from cellarman to cellarmaster to assistant winemaker. Finally, in 1983, he was appointed winemaker. Now, Robert is Winemaster/CEO and has taken on a larger role in the management of the winery.
As winemaster of a small, family-run winery, Robert is responsible for every detail involved in the making of the wine. Robert is truly a hands on winemaker. Wherever the action is, whether it is in the vineyard or in the cellar, that is where you will find Robert. Robert derives a great deal of satisfaction from creating wines and guiding their transition from harvest to bottling. He "worries each wine through the winery" and can dismiss his concerns only after the wine is bottled. Robert is clearly the perfectionist of the deLeuze family.
It can be said that
over the three decades in which ZD has produced wine,
Robert has played a major role in the development of
ZD's distinct and recognizable style. His goal is to
always maintain ZD's consistent quality and successful
style of rich, flavorful wines.
Robert's wife, Sheryl , teaches third grade. Their son, Brandon, graduated from Cal Poly, SLO, with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and has recently taken on the role of Assistant Winemaker at ZD Wines. Daughter Jill is a student at UC Davis, and returns home during the summer to help on the bottling line. |
