To Stéphane, the best winemaker is one that largely allows the alchemy of nature to do what it does best. He learned this laissez-faire method of winemaking while growing up in Meloisey, Burgundy, at the feet of an elderly neighbor whose family had been making wine for centuries. He furthered his experience in Dijon, Switzerland, New Zealand, and finally Napa at Hyde de Villaine and Stony Hill Vineyards.
With Vivier wines, Stéphane and his wife Dana are able to blend their respect for tradition with their enthusiasm for emerging wine growing regions, and their love of Pinot Noir. Vivier is family owned and operated, which means the kids are in the vineyard almost as much as their parents and case production is extremely limited.
