About
Michael joined Hourglass as National Sales Director in August 2015 and has lived and worked in Napa Valley for the last eight years. Twenty-five years spent in the restaurant, hospitality and wine industries has honed Michael’s ability to weave the stories of wine with a variety of audiences and deliver compelling, memorable guest experiences at the winery and on the road.
Michael attained some of the most sought-after wine credentials in the industry, having earned the Level 4 Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in 2008, and the Certified Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications in 2009.
Actively teaching about wine for over twenty years, Michael served as Director of Education for Southern Wine & Spirits of New Mexico and Education Manager at the Napa Valley Vintners before joining Hourglass, and currently teaches from time to time as a guest presenter at the Napa Valley Wine Academy. It was during his time at Napa Valley Vintners that Michael met Jeff Smith, the founder and owner of Hourglass, and the two quickly realized they saw wine and the wine business in very similar ways.
“I feel I bring a deep passion for wine in general, a diverse professional background, an easy-going nature and, above all, a desire to open people’s eyes and minds. It is the story behind what we do– our commitment to producing beautifully balanced, precise, terroir-driven wines from two of the most exceptional vineyard sites in Napa Valley, that really connects people to Hourglass. That story takes many forms – the people behind the wine, the genesis and evolving story of the wines and winery, our viticultural and winemaking decisions, and how the flavors of the wines themselves are attained and perceived. I want to instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for what we are pursuing at Hourglass.”
Michael resides in Howell Mountain with his 9-year old daughter Sylvie. An avid cook and gardener, he enjoys sharing honest meals with family and friends, spending time in the great outdoors, and getting in an occasional round of golf.
See me at:
Mister A’s + Hourglass Winery
Harvest + Game with Vineyard 29, Hourglass + 00 Winery
