Albuquerque, NM—June 9, 2015—Gruet Winery, a top American sparkling wine producer with roots in France, proudly announced the appointment of Sofian Himeur as Assistant Winemaker. This appointment galvanizes a third generation of Gruet family winemaking.
“Demand for Gruet wines continues to grow and the way that I make wine is very exacting, so finding an assistant seemed like a difficult task until I considered Sofian,” Winemaker Laurent Gruet said. “Not only is Sofian well-versed in our business and wines, he has been a great market ambassador for the Gruet family. I’m very excited to have him involved in hands-on winemaking with me.
Born in Troyes, France, and relocated to New Mexico when he was an infant, Himeur is the grandson of Gruet Winery founder Gilbert Gruet, son of Gilbert Gruet’s daughter, Nathalie Gruet, and the nephew of Laurent Gruet. Himeur previously served as the winery’s marketing and events manager. He grew up in Albuquerque, where he and his wife still reside.
“For me, this is a natural transition into another side of our business,” Himeur said. “I’m learning alongside the most talented, passionate winemaker I know and getting a 360-degree approach to our wines and really enjoying it.”
World-class winemaker Laurent Gruet continued his late father Gilbert Gruet’s legacy of making French champagne onto U.S. soil in 1984 and realized great success as an American sparkling wine producer. For 31 years he has unwaveringly adhered to champagne method winemaking to make wines that most closely resemble French champagne. His acclaim includes a Wine Spectator Top 100 for the non-vintage Blanc de Noirs, a Yarden Trophy, countless best buys, and high marks on sommelier polls.
About Gruet Winery: Producing outstanding American sparkling wines in the champagne method, Gruet Winery was founded on the vision and passion of French winemaker and patriarch, Gilbert Gruet. The winery makes approximately 135,000 cases annually, including seven non-vintage and three vintage wines that retail for $16 to $46. Gruet wines are sold nationwide and can be found in fine restaurants, retail outlets, online and through its destination tasting room and winery located at 8400 Pan American FWY NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Gruet family’s passion for winemaking has given people around the world a quality, luxury product at a great value. Learn more at www.gruetwinery.com.
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