Rebecka Deike graduated from Humboldt State, fully intending to be an optometrist. But an internship at Jordan Winery in 2000 diverted her career path, winning her over into the wine industry.
In 2004, Deike joined Ferrari-Carano as an enologist, later promoted to assistant winemaker as she completed the Winemaking Certificate Program at UC Davis. Today, she serves as senior winemaker in the red wines programs, still at Ferrari-Carano Winery more than 20 years later. She lives in Cloverdale with her husband, Dennis, and their two Bengal cats.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Rebecka Deike: I studied cellular and molecular biology with that future in mind and worked as an optometric assistant for a while. Somewhere along the way, I realized I might be looking through the wrong lens. A winery lab internship gave me a glimpse into the world of winemaking, where I discovered that I enjoyed examining clusters more than eye charts, and deciding between yeast strains was a lot more fun than asking, ‘Which is better, number one or number two?’
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage?
Absolutely. Chardonnay isn’t usually the bottle I reach for first, but it does happen to be the star of my all-time favorite pairing. Years ago in Miami, Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Chardonnay was served with stone crab claws and a creamy mustard sauce. So good… I will never forget it.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
That tends to change with the seasons. I kicked off this summer with a case of Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Rosé because the start of my favorite season deserves a proper celebration. Right now, you’ll often find me enjoying Ferrari-Carano Dry Sangiovese Rosé poolside. Its bright fruit and refreshing acidity are perfect for warm afternoons.
As the evenings start to cool, I naturally gravitate toward red wines. Ferrari-Carano SIENA is a favorite because it’s incredibly versatile with food. It pairs beautifully with anything coming off the grill and transitions seamlessly into fall alongside hearty soups and stews.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
In the summer, it’s hard to beat Friday Night Live in my hometown of Cloverdale. Local wineries donate wine to support the bands, so it’s a great excuse to enjoy live music while sampling some of the best wines from our area. The rest of the year, I enjoy taking family to or meeting friends at Healdsburg’s Bubble Bar.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
I’d be perfectly happy with an Evil Bean Espresso Martini while I wait for the rescue boat.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, 8761 Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, 707.433.6700, ferrari-carano.com.
