Lorna grew up in Fallbrook, California, near San Diego. In 2003, she received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture Science with a Minor in Agribusiness and Viti-culture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While attending school, she received her first taste of the wine industry through a hospitality position in Edna Valley; she was immediately intrigued by the industry and ultimately decided to shift into wine production after taking a viticulture internship.

Lorna obtained her start in wine production from Longoria Wines in Sta. Rita Hills in 2005. She still remembers the first time she topped a barrel and her early fascination with the synergy of farming, science and artistry that goes into making a great wine. She also fell in love with the AVA’s rolling hillside vineyards and knew she wanted to be part of this highly acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wine region. After a few vintages at Longoria as Assistant Winemaker, Lorna decided to return to school to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Enology from California State University Fresno. While in Fresno, she worked in production at Fresno State Winery, receiving her degree in 2008. She then moved on to be Enologist and Assistant Winemaker for Summerwood Winery and Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles.

With Pinot Noir as her first oenophilic love, as it was the first wine she learned how to make, Lorna headed back to her home base in the Sta. Rita Hills, in 2011, where she joined the Foley Wine Group as Assistant Winemaker for both Lincourt Vineyards and Foley Estate. There, she was and still is happy to be part of a winemaking team comprised of hard-working, generous, and fun individuals. Now in the role of Winemaker, she is excited to continue the tradition of producing high-quality wines from some of the best vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills. Though every wine shines in its own way, Lorna’s personal favorite Lincourt wine is the Grüner Veltliner.

Lorna lives in Los Alamos with her husband Matt who also works in the wine industry, her son Alphie, two dogs, Gandhi and Pine and her cat, Celty. When she’s not at the winery, she enjoys good food-especially Indian and Thai food, hiking and photography.

Lorna is a featured winemaker for the The Pinot Party Luncheon on Saturday, March 4, from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.