Percy Fox pays tribute to Blossom Hill winemaker

Published: 04 October, 2011

Blossom Hill winemaker Carol Thorup passed away from cancer on September 5, aged 57.

Thorup began her career with Almaden Vineyards in 1982 at the Almaden Facility on Blossom Hill Road in San Jose. In 1983, she moved to San Benito County where she began working at Almaden Vineyards in Paicines.

Diageo purchased the Paicines Facility in 1987 and in 1993 it was renamed Blossom Hill Winery, at which time Thorup took up the position of winemaker. She has worked with Blossom Hill for over 18 years.

Simon Lawson, Percy Fox general manager, said: "Carol's passing has hit us all very hard indeed, she will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. She was a very unassuming and modest person, greatly respected for her winemaking philosophy, a good friend to many in the Percy Fox team and has been pivotal to the development of Blossom Hill."

Family, colleagues and friends have chosen to have a private celebration in memory of her life at a later date. Donations in Thorup's memory can be sent to the RSPCA or Hollister Pet Friends and Rescue.

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