Meet The Wine Characters

There are an estimated 10,000 wineries in the U.S.A alone, and countless producers in Europe, South America, Africa and scattered throughout the world. How does a wine consumer know where to begin? How about starting with the stories of the people behind the wine brand and, of course with their wines?

These are the characters behind the wines, those impassioned individuals that persist in their craft despite great odds. I’ll ask them three pointed questions about what makes their brand and wines special. I hope you are compelled to learn more and taste their art.

Did I pique Your Interest? Go to the FAQ Page to request and Interview.

Ivan Vučković, Vina Grgich Winery

Ivan Vučković was born and raised on Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula, where he gained hands-on experience in winemaking from an early age. He earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from...

Herb Quady, Quady North Winery

Herb Quady is the founder and winemaker at Quady North in Applegate Valley, Oregon. He grew up around his family’s winery but didn’t consider a career in wine until 1997, when...

Kyle Knapp, Press Gang Cellars

Kyle Knapp is the winemaker and co-founder of Press Gang Cellars in Santa Barbara County, CA. He was born and raised in Lompoc, California. He launched the brand with his...

Jessee Ring, JBR Vineyards

Jessee Ring is the founder and winegrower at JBR Vineyards in Giles County, Virginia. He was born and raised in the small town of Narrows, Virginia (in Giles County). After...

Stephen Barnard, Keswick Vineyards

Stephen Barnard is the winemaker at Keswick Vineyards in Keswick, VA. He is fascinated by wine, continues to study it, and has been making wine in Virginia for more than...

Robert Bormuth, Weingut Feldtheorie

Robert Bormuth is the founder and winemaker of Feldtheorie (“Field Theory”) in the Kamptal region of Austria. He runs the winery with his partner, Ulrike “Uli” Filp. Both trained as...

Jason Murray, Arterra Wines

Jason Murray is the winemaker at Arterra Wines in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Delaplane, Virginia. His lifelong passion for agriculture began with raising sheep through 4-H and working on...

Kevin Zhang, Bluebird Hill Cellars

Kevin Zhang is co-proprietor of Bluebird Hill Cellars in Monroe, Willamette Valley, OR. He and his wife Cleo Song acquired the property in 2025. He grew up in Changchun, China,...

Kyle Mizuno, Rolling Hills Estate Winery

Kyle Mizuno is the winemaker at Rolling Hills Estate in Champlain Valley, Westport, NY. His distinguished 25-year career in Napa Valley gave him the rare opportunity to work alongside luminaries...

Ana María Cumsille, Carmen Winery

Ana María Cumsille is Head Winemaker at Viña Carmen in Chile. She brings more than 20 years of experience and a terroir-driven approach rooted in authenticity and experimentation. An Agricultural...

Sebastián Labbé, Santa Rita Winery

Sebastián Labbé is Head Winemaker for Santa Rita’s high-end wines in Maipo Valley, Chile. He joined Santa Rita Estates in 2005 and today leads the winemaking of Casa Real and...

Chelsey Blevins, 53rd Winery

Chelsey Blevins is a Virginia native and first-generation winemaker for 53rd Winery in Piedmont, Virginia. She has been diligently crafting wine in the Virginia Piedmont since 2014. Blevins became winemaker at...