A stalwart hidden gem at Gruet Winery for years in various roles, Carrie Gurule was named head winemaker in 2024. 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. Her favorite part of being an assistant winemaker: Making new yeast babies and watching them grow.

“This is a delicate process which involves math, microbiology, chemistry, and lots of heart labor,” Gurule says, noting this career represents the ideal fusion of many of her interests.  Her curiosity for health and science has taken Carrie into interesting fields: Her first career was spent as Nuclear Medicine Technologist, where she started and managed multiple imaging labs in Seattle.

Another testament to her curiosity: Carrie once spent a year in Minnesota learning how to make hard cider while braving the state’s cruel winter. Carrie graduated from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology, as well as a certificate in Nuclear Medicine. When she is not in the winery, Carrie can be found traveling, kickboxing, power-lifting, cooking, and walking her dog. Her favorite Gruet wines are the Blanc de Blancs and Sauvage Rosé.