Native to San Rafael, California, I came to Napa Valley directly upon graduating from the University of California at Davis with a double degree in Fermentation Science and Animal Science. I had originally planned on becoming a veterinarian, but changed my direction during my last year at U.C. Davis. A desire to work with my hands in vineyards and utilizing my science background led me to my newly found goal of being a winemaker. Arriving in Napa in 1974, I went to work for Chappallet Winery, on Pritchard Hill, starting in the vineyard - pruning, trellising and harvesting. This experience ultimately led me to becoming the Vineyard Manager at Chappallet.
From Chappellet, I joined the long-time San Francisco Battat family to create and design their new winery, Lakespring, bordering Yountville and Napa. I spent the next 16 years with Lakespring as General Manager and Winemaker until it was eventually sold. At this point, I was brought on to help long time Yountville grape growers and friends, the Pelissa/Hoxsey family, to reconstruct and convert the historic Inglenook Winery in Oakville into a premiere custom crush facility now known as the Napa Wine Company. From its inception in 1993, I held various roles ranging from General Manager, C.E.O., Winemaker and Consultant for their vineyard production. Coinciding with the start-up of the Napa Wine Company, Megan and I decided it was the most opportune moment to launch our own project, Mason Cellars. We produced our first vintage in 1993, the Mason Merlot and eventually expanded into our first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc in 1996. As we were increasing our production, I eventually phased out of Napa Wine Company to focus all of my attention on the Mason label.
Between representing the Mason brand nationwide, harvest responsibilities, and weekly vineyard checks I still manage to find some time to golf occasionally, tend to our bountiful garden, walk our three dogs daily, and support my three beautiful daughters. Megan and I currently reside in Yountville with our youngest daughter, Olivia.
