“Everything that happens in a winery or a vineyard is explainable by an equation. It’s just a lack of resources that make it necessary for me to rely upon instinct. I don’t always have the resources to collect all the data, but the data are out there.”

An academic out of the University of California, Davis, Michael has published countless academic papers, on subjects such as water relations, grapevine rootstock, and mineral nutrition. After a career spent advising vineyard owners statewide and managing the University’s legendary Oakville Station, a 40-acre research vineyard located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Michael tried to retire. But the land called him back. Since 2017, he has been innovating trellising, micromanaging irrigation, and otherwise practicing the distinctive style of sustainable viticulture he is known for having pioneered, at Peake Ranch in the Santa Rita Hills.

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“The winemaking decisions we must make in the moment are informed by technical training. But they also are driven by a deep understanding of the final product that goes beyond the science. A robot could make good—even technically perfect—wine. But that wine could never be transcendent.”

John holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University and has focused his career on life-saving therapeutics. During a fellowship at Harvard, his breakthrough stem-cell research—which opened the door to therapeutics for ALS patients—was featured on the cover of Time magazine. After years in the lab, John transitioned to an entrepreneurial role, supporting startups in biotech, medicine, healthcare, and agriculture. Today, John continues his work promoting pharmaceutical research and innovation while running Exprimere. He holds a Certificate in Winemaking from UC Davis.

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“I apply old world practices to new world fruit. I intervene as little as possible in an effort to capture the purest expression of the grapes we have harvested in that vintage. Is there artistry to that? Of course.”

James is a critically acclaimed winemaker focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He founded MacPhail Family Wines in 2001, then sold it to Hess Estates in 2011. Today he focuses on Tongue Dancer, the label he produces with his wife, Kerry, as well as consulting for select clients such as Exprimere, The Calling, and Sangiacomo Family Wines. Ever curious, James has vinified fruit from Sonoma, Oregon, Mendocino, and the Central Coast. Exprimere, to James, represents a new frontier: The opportunity to explore the mark made by the winemaker, and measure the decision-making process.

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