Mark Herold

Winemaker, Metaphora Wines

MARK HEROLD PHD/WINEMAKER
Mark Herold’s fascination with wine started in his childhood home in Panama City. On his twelfth birthday he liberated a bottle of Port from his father's cellar. Undeterred from the horrendous hangover that followed the next morning, he set about to learn as much as he could about wine. After completing his academic career at the University of Davis with a Ph.D. in Ecology with an emphasis in nutritional biochemistry, he started his first foray into the wine world at Joseph Phelps Vineyards as the Research Enologist. Here Mark was able to bridge the scientific method with winemaking to determine the best approach to making the best expression of wine quality and seamless oak integration.
Merus was a labor of love that Mark started in 1998—a Cult Cabernet Sauvignon that he made in his garage in downtown Napa. His first vintage was extremely challenging weather wise as well as having limited access to equipment. Aside from all the challenges the 1998 Merus received 93 points from Robert Parker. Mark started his consulting business soon after with a client list that has included Hestan, Kamen, Harris, Buccella, Kobalt, Celani Family Vineyards, Maze and The Vineyardist. Mark is a Taurus and his favorite food is Sushi.

Country born: Panama

Education: University of Davis with a Ph.D. in Ecology

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
making the best expression of wine quality