Winemaker of the Year: San Francisco Chronicle and Food & Wine Magazine

Steve and Jill Matthiasson, since the 2003 founding of their winery, have not only practiced viticulture and enology in a style that made them one of the earliest proponents of ‘new California winemaking,’ but demonstrated their understanding that the human component of winemaking extends far beyond the winemaker. Steve’s notoriety as one of the United States’ most intuitive American viticulturists and most sought-after vineyard managers speaks to his continued forward momentum of working cleanly in his vineyards and encouraging others to do the same.

​In 2011 Matthiasson leased the Linda Vista Vineyard. The West Oak Knoll area where they live is one of the classic Chardonnay spots in Napa, going back to the 60s when the climate there was considered too cool for full-bodied reds. The cool winds and clay soils here preserve zesty acidity and freshness, while the Napa sun provides richness and ripeness. Leasing the vineyard and farming it themselves gave them the control to feel comfortable producing a challenging and iconic variety like Chardonnay, where crafting “balance” means walking a razor’s edge in a genre with such iconic examples.​The vines were originally planted in 1989 by Beringer, and Matthiasson is proud to take their turn caring for them as the vineyard reaches true maturity.