Carrie Gurule is the winemaker for Gruet in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She’s been a hidden gem at Gruet Winery for years. Carrie has traveled widely, studying under French, Italian, New Zealand, and American winemakers. She brings specialized experience in vineyard and winery operations management and has been responsible for Gruet’s cellar processes, quality control, and lab management.
In New Mexico, where Carrie was born and raised, she embraced the art of making sparkling wine in the Champagne-style method for which Gruet is beloved, and in 2024 was named the first female winemaker in the brand’s history. Media Inquiries: Erin Fogarty erinf@preceptwine.com | https://www.gruetwinery.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
Gruet’s wines are made with grit, determination, and heart. Just like our Pied de Caves, our team has gone through so many iterations — but only the resilient, the kind, and the extraordinary have endured. The people
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I would take my team to France and visit the Champagne Houses of Bollinger, Roederer, and Veuve Clicquot! I would upgrade all our equipment. And I would have robots!
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Gruet Brut. This is our tried and true! This is what our foundation was built on! This is our sparkler that is versatile but has no problem standing tall on its own. Read my review of this sparkler.
Bonus Question: If you could create your own superpower, what would it be?
Constant ebullience — so it always carries through to my team, our Pied de Cuves, our Sparkling Wines, and our Customers!