Ray Coursen

Winemaker, Elyse Winery

My nine-year tenure at Whitehall Lane Winery under the tutelage of Art Finkelstein, first as a cellar worker and then as head winemaker, honed my skills in the art of blending and was the inspiration for my winemaking style today.

Since that time and through building Elyse Winery to what it is today, I have been fortunate to work with some of the best growers, staff and other industry professionals
Personal: Cooking, reading, and traveling for pleasure.

Country born: United States

Education: Attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Hotel Management for one year and then took off for Europe and Africa to follow a childhood dream of traveling around the world.
After graduating from Stockbridge Agricultural College at the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Botany/Pomology, I worked harvest at Mt. Eden Winery in Saratoga in 1983.
After that, I moved to Napa Valley and worked for Tonella Vineyard Management, gaining philosophical perspective and practical knowledge working in the vineyards.
Started at Whitehall Lane Winery in the tasting room while apprenticing for Art Finkelstein in the cellar.

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Winemaking is cooking without a flame. Our winemaking philosophy at Elyse is similar to the approach of a great chef who carefully prepares artisan-grown ingredients to bring each layer of flavor to the table.