When did you first become interested in wine? (When was your first taste? How was the experience?)
I spent the formative years of my youth on a 600 acre apple/cherry/pear orchard in Eastern Washington State. From the age of 12 until about 20, I worked on the ranch during summers helping with harvesting the above mentioned crops but also worked assisting my Uncle with planting some of the region's first wine grapes. He saw the potential of Eastern Washington for quality wine production and would share his enthusiasm with me by sharing wines produced from local vintners.

What brought you into the wine business?
I loved working on the ranch and wanted to be involved with an agricultural endeavor on some level. With the wine industry just getting off the ground in Washington, I thought it would be great to get in on the ground floor. I wanted to go to the best school for winemaking, so I enrolled at U.C. Davis. I have since fallen in love with California, specifically Napa Valley, though I still hold a fondness for the Northwest.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
Cabernet is my favorite varietal whether from "Red Mountain" AVA in Eastern Washington, or "Howell Mountain" in Napa Valley, I love the power, structure and finesse that Cabernet Sauvignon wines can possess.
Second favorite is Pinot Noir -- Oregon, Russian River and Santa Cruz Mountains

If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
Grey Goose and tonic -- or beer - depending...

What's your least favorite drink?
Blended Scotch Whiskey.

What's your best wine-drinking memory? What was the occasion?
There are many good memories where a good wine was involved, but one of my favorites was with my wife on our honeymoon. We were at a small table next to the sea in the village of Estoril in Portugal. It was sunny and warm and we couldn't believe how the crisp and fruity Vinho Verde wine we'd ordered tasted so delicious with the tender and freshly grilled calamari. Mmm...

What is the first thing someone learning about wine should know?
Trust your palate. If you like something and have given it thoughtful consideration, trust that it is good. Likewise if you're not crazy about a wine.

What are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?
Pinot noir and anything with duck and/or mushrooms,
Sauvignon Blanc with Grilled veggies and/or scallops or shrimp

What are some of the benefits of drinking wine?
A richer, more fulfilled living experience.

What wines should no home be without?
Champagne or sparkling wine without question. You never know when a special occasion will present itself.
Otherwise wines that you are passionate about. Wines that instill pleasure, which becomes contagious when shared with others.