The People
Tapara is shaped by a small group of people who share a commitment to quality, curiosity, and care for the land. The work here is collaborative by design—guided by experience, grounded in observation, and strengthened by trust.
Founder
Barry Weiss did not come to wine through inheritance or tradition, but through a long personal relationship with what wine makes possible—connection, attention, and the satisfaction of work done well.
After a career spanning law, technology, and leadership roles in complex organizations, Barry was increasingly drawn toward work that was even more tangible, creative, and rooted in place. Wine offered that intersection: agriculture and artistry, discipline and imagination, patience and generosity.
At Tapara, his role is not to impose a style, but to hold a vision—creating the conditions for thoughtful work and surrounding himself with people whose expertise and judgment he trusts deeply. The emphasis is on humility over ego, collaboration over control, and long-term stewardship over short-term gain.
Winemaking
Tapara’s wines are guided by consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, whose career spans some of the world’s most respected wine programs, and a long list of 100-point and award-winning wines.
Jean brings a rare combination of wicked humor, joy, mentorship, technical mastery and restraint. His approach emphasizes balance, precision, and respect for site—allowing vineyard character and vintage conditions to remain central rather than imposing a signature style. He is always aiming for perfection. At Tapara, Jean’s role is collaborative and interpretive, helping translate the vineyard’s potential into wines of clarity, energy, and composure.
Viticulture
Vineyard management at Tapara is led by Daniel Levrencic of The Winegrowing Company.
Daniel brings deep local knowledge and a thoughtful, hands-on approach to farming. Decisions are made to keep growing better wine, block by block and season by season, guided by observation rather than prescription. His work focuses on balance in the vineyard—healthy vines, yields planned for quality, and fruit that reflects both site and season with clarity.
Tapara Core Team
Tapara team from left to right: John DeLisio – Local Winemaker, Barry Weiss – Owner-Vintner, Daniel Lavrencic – Viticulture and Vineyard Manager, Jean Hoefliger – Supervising Winemaker
Artists, Collaborators and Inspirations
Artistry and care at Tapara extend beyond wine. The estate is shaped by people who attend not only to what is produced, but to how the land is lived with and stewarded.
The Tapara label art and logo, and the custom Tapara fonts were created by Alex Linden of Lindenhaus. Her hand-rendered approach brings texture and restraint to Tapara’s visual identity, reflecting a belief that authenticity emerges through process rather than polish. Emily Shepard provided experienced graphic design to tie together all the elements.
The on-site pottery studio is animated by the work of Sarah Poppitz of Poppitz Pottery. Her practice—centered on clay, form, and patience—mirrors the rhythms of vineyard and cellar, reinforcing shared values of attention, humility, and care.
Laura Weiss has played an important role in shaping Tapara’s vision from the beginning. Her involvement reflects a deep care for the land as a living system, with a sensibility of nourishment, beauty, and everyday usefulness—reminding us that this estate is about bringing benefit beyond what is bottled.
Mikey Hill has contributed to the artistry, ethos, and evolving vision of Tapara. Through creative exchange, dialogue, and shared values, his influence has helped clarify the spirit behind the project.
Barry’s family has provided life lessons, life-long learning and support. Special call-outs go to his children Emily and Kevin, and step-children, Michael and Sarah, for all of their love, inspiration and support; and their partners, Tim, Jess, Caitlin and Mikey, and the boundless energy and joy of the three grandchildren, Finn, Phae and Isla; and Barry’s parents, especially, his father, Marvin.
And, special thanks to my intrepid evangelists and reps, Jill and Ed Rossini, who are helping me spread the word and get distribution and sales moving!
A Shared Way of Working
What unites everyone involved at Tapara is not a common résumé, but a common approach. The work is guided by listening—to the land, to the season, and to one another—and by a belief that meaningful results come from consistency, restraint, and respect for process.
Tapara is not built around personalities. It is built around practice.