Mac McDonald of Vision Cellars is a simple man. He loves farming and anything related to growing grapes and winemaking. Dressing the part with his denim overalls and signature straw hat, he is a down-to-earth guy. David Ready Jr. of Murphy-Goode Winery, on the other hand, is a “rock star” who toured with Grateful Dead and found himself “forced” into the wine industry. He credits his palate and availability to recall flavor profiles for his success as a winemaker. Both of these guys make excellent wine and I’ve had the pleasure to meet both of them within the past year.

Reflecting on their passion for wine, I’ve noticed an increasing trend of more and more wines marketed either under the name of the winemaker or with the winemaker’s name prominently displayed on the label. Yes, I know we had Robert Mondavi, Ernest and Julio Gallo and the likes, but that was a generation ago. Those winemakers were the pioneers that helped put American wine on the map. They dominated the market for so long but a new surge of celebrity winemakers is beginning to take hold.

Not too long ago, Charles Smith was managing a rock band in Denmark before teaching himself to make wine. He is best known for his K Syrah wine. His wines are now some of Washington’s most sought after. You may be familiar with The Velvet Devil Merlot, Kung Fu Girl Riesling, House Wine; they all have the signature white and black labels.

Joel Gott started in 1996 with the production of Amador County Zinfandel. Shortly thereafter, a marriage to his wine-maker girlfriend Sarah marked a collaboration that led to significant reviews in wine publications and to the Cabernet Sauvignon that Joel Gott is noted for.

Robert Foley, while at Pride Mountain Vineyards, found his wines being served in the White House by both President Bush and President Clinton. Foley has a clear passion for winemaking and makes incredibly rich red blends under his personal brand of wine now.

Kim Crawford, Even though he sold his brand over 10 years ago, is a highly recognizable label in bottle shops. Many consumers think Kim is a woman, yet he is a country boy from New Zealand and was among the first from New Zealand to gain a foothold in the United States with his Sauvignon Blanc that has become the biggest-selling New Zealand brand by value in the United States.

While these are just a few of the names you’ll spot among the aisles of a wine shop, take a moment to notice how many more names are prominently displayed. There is a new generation of winemakers and they are “superstars."