Published on Fri Aug 24, 2007 8:40 am
Source: Crystal Higgins-Peterson, Calhoun & Company Communications
ERIK OLSEN Vice President, Winemaker
Growing up in Davis, California put Erik Olsen squarely in the hotbed of winemaking activity at an early age. With such surroundings, it’s no surprise that he vinted his first wine there as a teenager. And, though the wine did not receive any critical acclaim beyond that of his immediate family, it did strengthen his desire for a career in winemaking.
Erik’s resolute focus on wine and winemaking is evident in his multi-discipline dive into educating himself on the topic. With a BS in Fermentation Science from UC Davis, an MS in Food Science from Cornell and an MBA from the University of Washington, it is clearly Olsen’s aim to understand and master both the technical and business aspects of wine.
In addition to his varied degrees, for almost two decades—with time out for a graduate research position at Cornell—he made wine at some of the most prominent wineries in California and Washington, including Robert Mondavi, Simi and Chateau Ste. Michelle.
While the knowledge gained from educational institutions is an important aspect of Erik’s resume, it’s the combination of technical know-how with practical application that is at his core. There’s an intuitive sense that Erik follows which usually takes him into the vineyards. There, he walks among the vines to assess and understand a winemaker’s relationship with nature. Olsen also acknowledges his family’s influence. His parents’ backgrounds as designers inspire him in no small part to produce “wines that have balance, harmony, and are esthetically pleasing to the palate.”
“I couldn’t be happier to have returned to Sonoma County,” says Erik. “And I’m elated to be working with the world-class vineyards of one of America’s great wineries.”
Olsen lives in Healdsburg, California with his wife Deborah and their two young children. When Erik’s not making wine, he enjoys making varietal grape juice with his kids, exploring California’s mountains on foot and on skis, and perfecting his grilling technique.
