Year of graduation and degree:
1997. M.S. in Food Science with an emphasis in Enology
Current job title/company:
Director of Commercial Luxury Winemaking, Trinchero Family Estates
What have you been up to since you graduated?
I worked in the Cellar at Sonoma Cutrer, then I went to work in the laboratory for the Trincheros and I have been with them ever since.
Do you feel your UC Davis experience benefited your career?
Absolutely, no question.
What is the most rewarding part of being in the industry/your job?
I really enjoy the rhythm of the seasons. Harvest is difficult from a personal/family perspective, but it is also the most exciting time from a professional perspective. It is the time when you have the most opportunities to create the highest quality wines possible in the style that you prefer. Lots of time outside in the vineyards and in the cellar. After harvest, things settle down and we can reconnect with friends and family, celebrate the holidays, etc. Then we start in on barrel work, blending and bottling, basically getting the tanks empty for the next harvest. There is a nice variety of work to do, inside and outside, and the work is a nice blend of science and art as well.
What are some of the most difficult challenges you have faced in the grape or wine industry?
The volatile nature of the industry can be a little more exciting than I would like at times. Fortunately, I work for a family-owned company that is not publicly traded so my exposure to the volatility has been less than it would be otherwise.
Is there anything you would like to share with current UCD V&E students?
I would encourage students to take advantage of their youth and pursue harvest opportunities abroad in the northern and southern hemispheres after they graduate. Try to rack up 4 harvests in 2 years or even 6 harvests in 3 years if they can. Nearly impossible to do after you settle down.
What is one unique thing about you?
I’m not sure how unique it is at this point, but I hauled tomatoes in the summers while I was at UCD, and it led to harder stuff like fertilizers, ammonia, propane. I kept my CDL and Hazmat endorsements for many years after I graduated, kind of a superstitious Plan B.