Muiris Griffin

Winemaker, Round Pond Estate

Muiris Griffin's (pronounced Muir-ish) passion for fine wine was first fueled during his time at the Universit?? de Paul Valery in France. As his knowledge grew, so did his determination to make wine his life???s work. He jumped at the chance to work harvest for a family friend at a seventh generation distillery in Cognac. The following year he returned home to work for Margo Von Staavern at Chateau St. Jean, inspired by the delicate care taken in the crafting of one of their signature wines, Cinq Cepages.

After two years at Chateau St. Jean, Muiris returned to France to pursue an advanced winemaking education at the CFPPA in Bordeaux. He earned his Viticulture-Enology degree while also interning at the earliest established wine estate in Bordeaux, Chateau Pape Clement, during their 703rd vintage. At Vin-Expo, an annual trade show in Bordeaux, Muiris had a chance encounter with Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci, which led to him running Opus One's "Maturity Project" for 2009. Muiris went on to work as the Assistant Winemaker at Ridge Vineyards working alongside legendary winemaker Paul Draper and team.

At Round Pond Estate, Muiris works together with esteemed winemaking consultant Thomas Rivers Brown and vineyard managers to fully understand the relationship between superior winegrowing and wine quality. His goal for all Round Pond Estate wines is to create beautifully crafted wines that reflect our unique Rutherford terroir.

Country born: United States

Education: Muiris returned to France to pursue an advanced winemaking education at the CFPPA in Bordeaux. He earned his Viticulture-Enology degree.

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
As Winemaker, Muiris Griffin works to create balanced and complete wines that fully reflect the Round Pond Estate. He begins with the core fruit expression of these Rutherford vineyard blocks, some of the finest and most diverse terroir around, then defines the styles of the Reserve, Estate and Napa Valley wine tiers across vintages. Muiris works together with esteemed winemaking consultant Thomas Rivers Brown and vineyard managers to fully understand the relationship between superior winegrowing and wine quality. His goal for all Round Pond Estate wines is to create beautifully crafted wines that reflect our unique Rutherford terroir.