Margo Van Staaveren

Winemaker, Beringer Vineyards

Margo Van Staaveren is one of California’s most respected winemakers, bringing over four decades of experience to her role as Director of Winemaking at Beringer Vineyards. Her return to Beringer is a meaningful one—Margo began her journey here as an intern and now leads the winery into the next chapter as it approaches its 150th Anniversary in 2026.
Founded in 1876, Beringer Vineyards is California’s oldest continuously operating winery and a pillar of Napa Valley winemaking. With sustainably farmed vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma’s Knights Valley, and a historic estate in St. Helena, Beringer has long set the standard for American wine.
Margo’s homecoming reflects her deep personal connection to the brand and her vision for its future. “Beringer has always held a special place in my heart—not just as one of Napa Valley’s most historic estates, but as a benchmark for excellence in California winemaking,” says Margo. “It’s an honor to help carry forward the legacy of these incredible wines.”
Since 2017, Margo has played a key role in Beringer’s winemaking, and her involvement has grown significantly over the past two years. She brings tremendous insight, continuity and a passion for the brand—working closely with the vineyard, cellar and hospitality teams to ensure each wine reflects the estate’s heritage and future vision. Her winemaking style is defined by intuitive blending, meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for vineyard expression.
She favors wines that are elegant, structured and age-worthy—crafted with a thoughtful balance of power and finesse. For Margo, each vintage offers a new opportunity to create something remarkable. Her career began in 1980 at Chateau St. Jean, where she rose from Laboratory Technician to Winemaker and General Manager.
During her tenure, she helped shape the winery’s identity, producing acclaimed vineyard-designated and reserve wines, including the legendary Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon.
Her accolades include:
• 1996 Cinq Cépages was named Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year”—the first Sonoma winery to receive this honor.
• 1999 Cinq Cépages earned Wine Spectator’s “#2 Wine of the Year.”
• Named Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2008.
In 2016, Margo was appointed Director of Winemaking, North Coast, for Treasury Wine Estates, overseeing a portfolio of luxury brands. Her collaborative spirit and dedication continue to inspire peers, trade partners and wine lovers alike.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years