MY EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- by Chris Graves
I was raised in the California Sierra Foothills, where I was introduced and developed a passion for the local wines. At 16 years I knew I wanted to be a professional winemaker. I proceeded to take advanced placement courses through high school in preparation for my continued education in college. Upon graduating completed 4 years of community college--which included extensive science and general education in an effort to enter into the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology program. I acquired an Associates degree in Liberal Arts, and an Associates in Natural Sciences. While attending community college I also gained valuable retail experience working in a fine food and wine store.
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| Winemaker Chris Graves |
Upon acceptance and enrollment into the UCD V&E program (2002), I completed in-depth coursework which included: advanced mathematics, physics, organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, winery technology and winery systems, analysis of musts and wines, wine sensory science, grapevine physiology, grapevine pests and diseases, wine marketing and other in-depth viticulture and enology courses, with emphasis in enology. I made numerous batches of wine during the vintage of 2002, and in harvest of 2003 I gained very valuable practical experience working the cellars at Wente Vineyards as a harvest intern. I graduated from the UCD V&E program in 2004 with a 3.4 GPA.
Immediately following graduation, I was employed by Karl Wente as the Enologist for Wente Vineyards. Right away, I began implementing more efficient systems and introduced newer technology into the wine production and quality control departments. I am proficient in most computer systems and programs and therefore became responsible for new protocol in recording, managing and monitoring inventory and quality control information.
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| Winemaker Chris Graves |
Following harvest of 2004, I was promoted to Assistant Winemaker of Wente Vineyards, and shortly thereafter I was offered the position of Winemaker for Tamás Estates. I received media and public relations training and became the spokesperson for Tamás Estates. I took charge of the wines and began blending and designing new wine styles to the best of my abilities.
I am extremely thankful to be involved in so many facets of the wine industry. Wente has been an invaluable experience to which I can accredit the added skills and knowledge I have gained.
I am very pleased and excited to be part of the new Ruby Hill Winery. I am working with a great team of people with lot of energy and enthusiasm. There is so much history, culture and quality fruit in this area—I plan on harnessing all of it into beautiful wines and an unforgettable wine lifestyle experience. Saluté!
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