Winemaker's Tips

We're proud of the roots of our 4th generation winemaker Michael Sebastiani. Michael has spent a lifetime of being immersed in the creation and enjoyment of wine. Born and raised in the heart of wine country in the Sonoma Valley, his first experiences in the industry started when he was 10 working summers in the vineyards ­ he tended to vines and helped prepare the grapes for harvest; the smells of grapes and wine, the mechanics of running the winery, the cellar and working in the tasting room (not to drink wine yet but to learn about the visitor experience and what's important to the wine drinker) all contributed to his love and understanding of wine.

After completion of his winemaking degree in just 3 years at UC Davis, Michael began working for the family business, Viansa and began building their Italian varietal program. After several years of wine making experience, Michael founded Generations of Sonoma Winery and is the winemaker for our very own Cathedral Ridge Winery here in Hood River, Oregon where he develops wines to represent the vast diversity of microclimates near our winery. What does Michael feel about wine, "Wine is food, and most times should be treated in the same manner - vinifying wine is our way of "cooking" our courses, each wine type and varietal having its place in our life. As with food, wine should always be entertaining in every way ­ of course their flavors, but also their looks, their presentations, and most definitely the company in which they are enjoyed."

Voted Oregon Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest, Cathedral Ridge Winery is hosting our Winemakers' tips in the hopes of sharing our knowledge, expertise, recipes, food and wine pairing ideas and other wine resources with our guests. We know we'll learn as much from you as you learn from us. Salute! (Don't know where to start, check out our Food & Wine blog, Barrel Room Buzz .