Welcome to my exhilarating journey—from the intensity of firefighting to mastering the art of wine consulting.
Picture me as a young dreamer on the sun-kissed shores of Corfu, Greece, where my journey with wine began. Surrounded by ancient olive groves and the salty breeze of the Ionian Sea, I learned the essence of winemaking not just as a craft, but as a deep connection to the land. It was here that I first understood the profound role of a winemaker: to capture the spirit of each season in every bottle, telling stories of soil, sun, and the whispering winds that shaped the vines.
After living in Greece for a few years, I returned to my beloved Virginia.
Drawn to a different kind of challenge — firefighting. For three generations, my family had served with distinction, and it was here that I learned the art of courage under pressure. In the midst of chaos, I discovered the power of teamwork and the unbreakable bonds forged in the heat of adversity.
Yet, life has a way of steering us down unexpected paths. In the aftermath of the 2008 economic storm, I found myself at a crossroads.
Fate led me to a job posting that would change everything—a chance to explore a new passion in the world of wine. What began as a leap of faith soon became an insatiable quest for knowledge. Guided by the expertise of Lucie Morton, a legendary figure in vineyard consulting, I immersed myself in the meticulous art of viticulture and winemaking. Every day brought new revelations as I learned to decipher the symphony of soil, climate, and grape variety that shapes the character of each vintage.
Eager to deepen my understanding, I embarked on a pilgrimage to UC Davis, the hallowed ground for aspiring wine professionals. Here, amid the rolling hills of California, I honed my skills and gained insights that would set the stage for my future in the industry.
But the allure of distant lands beckoned me once more. Chile, with its rugged landscapes and pioneering spirit, offered me a chance to challenge conventions. Against all odds, I secured a position at Emiliana Vineyards, renowned for its commitment to Demeter-certified biodynamic winemaking. Here, I witnessed firsthand the harmonious dance between nature and nurture, crafting wines that spoke of purity, expression, and terroir. It was a transformative experience that elevated my craft to new heights and reaffirmed my belief in the enchantment of sustainable viticulture.
And then, the grand stage awaited me—the storied vineyards of Napa Valley.
I gained a position with Caldwell Vineyard to work alongside living legend, John Caldwell, the infamous “Napa Valley Smuggler”. I was his Right-Hand Man, ramping up projects and experiences together, traveling all over the United States, bringing our wine and stories into peoples’ homes. Later, teaming up with luminaries like Phillipe Melka and Thomas Rivers Brown, I found myself at the heart of winemaking excellence. Together, we sculpted wines that garnered international acclaim, each bottle a testament to innovation and tradition. Amidst the rolling hills and sun-dappled vines, I learned not just the art of winemaking, but the alchemy of storytelling. Every bottle bore witness to the passion and dedication poured into its creation, forging connections that transcended mere appreciation and evolved into enduring friendships.
After navigating the crucible of California's fiery challenges, I returned to my beloved Virginia with a renewed purpose—to elevate wine brands in one of the burgeoning world-leading wine regions.
Virginia's winemaking landscape is as diverse as its history, steeped in both tradition and innovation. Yet, it presents unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. As I surveyed the rolling hills and vineyards, I saw not just obstacles, but opportunities to apply the lessons learned from my tenure in multiple world-class wine regions. Drawing from my experiences in California, Chile, and beyond, I embarked on a mission to coach local teams in cutting-edge techniques and practices. These were methods that only someone who had witnessed firsthand the nuances of terroir and the artistry of winemaking could impart. From sustainable viticulture practices to precision winemaking, each strategy is tailored to unleash the full potential of Virginia's grapes.
Amidst the serene beauty of Virginia's wine country, I found kindred spirits—dedicated vintners eager to push boundaries and redefine the region's viticultural landscape. Together, we charted a course that honored tradition while embracing innovation, setting the stage for Virginia wines to shine on the global stage.
Today, as a dedicated wine consultant, I draw upon my global odyssey to empower brands and enthusiasts alike. Through strategic consulting, immersive tastings, and team development, I seek to illuminate the world of wine with unparalleled enthusiasm and professionalism.