A Southern California native and Kirkland transplant, Stephen was first drawn to winemaking through his experience in the culinary and hospitality industry.  It was winemaking’s dichotomy between art and science, and his love of botany that eventually led him to complete his MSc in viticulture and enology through the University of Auckland, Hochschule Geisenheim University and the University of Adelaide. This journey enabled Stephen to study under some of the best scientific minds in the world, as well as work under premier wineries across both hemispheres.

In 2016, Stephen returned home to Seattle. Washington’s diverse and spectacular viticultural landscape continues to inspire each vintage as well as Stephen’s approach to winemaking. This approach is simple and minimalistic in nature, choosing to let the grape varieties shine through by utilizing whole cluster fermentations, native yeast, no additives and neutral oak.
Aside from wine, Stephen enjoys cooking, traditional archery and traveling with his family.