As a third-generation San Franciscan, I grew up a city boy. Visiting relatives and friends’ ranches and farms seemed exotic. I recall that at dinner most times there was a bottle of wine on the table. Wine became a natural adjunct to meals.
After pursuing a Degree in Education I soon found that my interests resided elsewhere. Wine and the Wine Country north of SF had been a hobby for a few years and I decided to turn an avocation into a career. While running a wine shop I changed my major to Enology/Viticulture. I transferred to Fresno State University where I received a BS and MS in Enology Food Science with a minor in Viticulture all the while working at local and Napa wineries. After completion of grad work, I took a winemaking position in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Two years later I found myself back in California working as an Assistant Winemaker at a Napa winery.
