Matt Pasternack

Matthew’s passion for winemaking is deeply rooted in his Italian heritage, where wine was always central to family meals and celebrations. As his curiosity about the wines his family enjoyed increased, so did his interest in the craft behind them. While studying Horticulture at Colorado State University, he began to connect his academic interests with his passion for wine.

After graduating in 2020, Matthew gained hands-on experience across California’s wine regions, working in vineyards in Lodi and Sonoma. During that time, his fascination evolved from vineyard management to the cellar, where he discovered a growing interest in the winemaking process itself.

In 2024, Matthew advanced his winemaking journey by traveling to New Zealand to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. There, he deepened his knowledge of winemaking and gained a broader understanding of the practices and disciplines that support the craft. Matthew was later able to complete a harvest in New Zealand and learn new winemaking and vineyard practices along the way.

His time in New Zealand solidified that passion and confirmed his desire to pursue winemaking full time. Upon returning to Napa, Matthew made the permanent transition into the cellar and set his sights on becoming a professional winemaker.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys playing and watching sports, reading, and listening to music.