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Sean Capiaux

Winemaker, O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery

Sean Capiaux has deftly established an impressive and notable career over the past 21 years at prominent wineries around the globe since his graduation from California State University, Fresno (BS, Enology; minor in Chemistry) in the late ’80s. In 1994 Sean launched his own label, Capiaux Cellars, which has garnered consistently favorable reviews among both professional reviewers and his own following of restaurateurs and consumers. With his rich history in the wine industry and vibrant resume, it is no surprise that Betty O’Shaughnessy chose Sean to be the crafting hand behind O’Shaughnessy wine. He began his career at Jordan Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley where he worked for two years before joining Houghton Winery located outside Perth in Western Australia.

After experiencing the harvest in Australia, Sean returned to the United States to work as assistant winemaker at Pine Ridge Winery in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Two years later Sean joined Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga as the assistant winemaker where he worked for four years.

In 1996, Sean and his wife moved to New York. As a bicoastal winemaker, Sean continued to produce Capiaux Cellars Pinot Noir in California while also working as the winemaker for Macari Vineyards, Jamesport Vineyards and Schneider Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island, NY. In 2000, Betty O’Shaughnessy recruited Sean to be the winemaker for her new O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery.

Sean serves as president and winemaker for O'Shaughnessy winery today, consistently crafting world-class mountain Cabernets and continuing to make his Capiaux Cellars Pinot Noir.

Country born: United States

Education: California State University, Fresno (BS, Enology; minor in Chemistry)

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Our philosophy is to produce wines that express the unique character of our estate vineyards and their appellation. The winemaking style is contemporary, utilizing cutting-edge fermentation equipment paired with natural, hands-on winemaking. Our emphasis is on balance; the concentrated nature of the grapes from our estate vineyards needs to be in balance with the flavors and aromas in order to produce the most harmonious wine