oenologist, or, in the United States and South Africa, enologist, one who practises oenology. A consultant oenologist is likely to concentrate on the activities traditionally considered winemaking but increasingly concerns himself or herself with what happens in the vineyard as well as in the cellar. In general usage, an oenologist is either a scientifically qualified employee or a roving consultant, as opposed to a fully employed practitioner who may or may not have scientific training, the winemaker. In California, certain winemakers are so adept and so modish that their input alone can be enough to double or treble prices and transform them into a california cult wine. Most famous of them is Helen Turley, and others include Heidi Peterson Barrett, Mia Klein, Philippe Melka, Andy Erickson, Thomas Rivers Brown, Celia Welch, and Martha McClellan. See also flying winemaker.
