This Farmer is Making Some of the Most Coveted Wines in America

Deirdre Heekin is the brains and palate behind La Garagista Farm + Winery in Vermont.

Deirdre Heekin pioneered the quiet evolution of the Vermont wine world. La Garagista, her acclaimed winery and home farm, situated on Mount Hunger Road in Bethel, has mentored a handful of vignerons rising into the upper echelons of the national wine community. Since releasing her first vintage over a decade ago, Heekin’s bottles have spearheaded the transformation of Vermont’s wine reputation from a niche community of hybrid-relying vineyards to a nationally recognized community of hybrid-relying vineyards. Devotees include New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov and the James Beard Foundation, which nominated Heekin for Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Producer in 2019. This year’s vintage is her 10th.