I grew up among orchards in Santa Cruz Mountains’ Corralitos area, seeing the transition to vineyards. I attended UC-Santa Cruz and received my undergraduate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In 1994, I went to interview at Ridge for assistant chemist position. I fell in love with Monte Bello instantly and decided to scrap my plans for dental school and/or graduate school, choosing to stay on at Ridge. Staff changes there opened opportunities to move outside the lab to assisting in the production of wine, working very closely with Paul. Having a precise ability to taste, being disciplined to organize the operation, I was successful there in achieving head winemaker status and Chief Operating Officer of Monte Bello Winery and being a key member of the executive committee. After 27yrs, during Covid and fire vintage, I left Ridge to help a Napa Winery re-develop its vineyards and brand. After two years, I decided it was time to make wine under my own brand. I’m having a blast doing that and having independence to pursue high quality winemaking the way I know best.