About Greg Winter

Greg Winter joined the Heck Estates family as Winemaker at Valley of the Moon Winery in March 2006. After an early career as a San Francisco musician, as well as several professional "day jobs," Greg decided to combine his creativity and love for wine to pursue a career in winemaking, returning to school in 1992.

Before graduating with a bachelors degree in Viticulture and Enology and highest honors from UC Davis in 1998, Greg worked the 1997 harvest in the Lab and Cellar at Schramsberg Vineyards and Winery in Calistoga. Post graduation he was quickly hired as an Enologist by R.H. Phillips in June, 1998, and subsequently worked his way up to Winemaker in 2002. His time at R.H. Phillips gave him experience in a rapidly expanding super and ultra premium winemaking environment that primed him for his role in crafting world class wines at Valley of the Moon.

With access to excellent Sonoma County grapes, Greg views himself as a caretaker who allows the quality of the fruit to carry through to the bottle. Although there are a myriad of winemaking choices he can use to affect the style of each wine, he believes if the fruit is outstanding when it arrives at Valley of the Moon, why bury its essence under heavy handed techniques. Instead, through his processing and fermentation methods, management of barrels and final blending decisions, he enhances yet respects the character of each varietal.

In his spare time Greg still enjoys playing the drums as well as outdoor activities including camping, hiking, biking and swimming. Greg's twin sons are now in college and he currently resides in Petaluma, California with his partner, Michelle, and dog, Calvin.