Thomas Rivers Brown

Winemaker, Schrader Cellars

Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Thomas developed an interest in wine while attending the University of Virginia.

Following his interest, Thomas moved to the Napa Valley in the mid-1990s and expanded his knowledge of wines from all of the great wine regions of the world while working at All Seasons Wine Shop in Calistoga. Taking his passion to the next level, Thomas began his winemaking career at Turley Cellars, famed producer of California Zinfandels, in the late 1990s.

In 2000, Thomas joined the Schrader Cellars team as winemaker and today crafts a brilliant portfolio of classically styled, single-vineyard, estate wines from the Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast. In 2003, Thomas founded his own wine project, Rivers-Marie, with his partner Genevieve Marie Welsh, where he crafts beautiful wines that speak of the land and conditions that created them

Country born: United States

Education: Thomas attended University of Virginia.

Thomas began his winemaking career, learning on the job as Assistant Winemaker at Turley Cellars, famed producer of California Zinfandels, in the late 1990s.

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Honors / Awards:
Most recently, Thomas made history as the youngest winemaker to score two perfect 100 point scores from Robert M. Parker, The Wine Advocate, for the 2006 Schrader CCS and 2006 Schrader “Old Sparky” Cabernets Sauvignons. Education - Thomas attended University of Virginia.

Winemaking Philosophy:
When asked how he defines great wine, Thomas responds, "I can't really define it, but I know it when I taste it."