Michael Tracy

A Sonoma County native, Michael was born and raised in the Dry Creek Valley of Healdsburg, California. While his mother was employed at E&J Gallo Winery for decades, he was raised on the historic Frei Ranch and spent his earliest years exploring the vineyards and cellar. Some of Michael’s fondest memories are tasting fruit ripen on the vine and smelling aromatics of fermentation drifting out of the winery. These early experiences made an imprint on his trajectory, and he knew he would make wine professionally one day.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology from Cornell University in 2012, and more recently a Master of Business Administration in Wine Business from Sonoma State University in 2021. He has completed vintages in Marlborough, New Zealand as well as Mendoza, Argentina, and many more in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Michael’s vineyard-driven approach to winemaking has been influenced by winemakers he’s worked with such as Michel Rolland, Martha McCllelan, Bob Levy, and Jennifer Williams. It is his philosophy that truly outstanding wine can only be crafted in the vineyard, therefor attention to detail in farming is critical to a wine’s success.