Wine Portfolio

Steven Rogstad

Winemaker, Brandlin

When Rogstad came to Cuvaison in 2002, he brought over 10 years of winemaking experience with him. Steve learned his winemaking craft in France before attending graduate school in enology and viticulture at UC Davis. His winemaking career has included Saintsbury, Spring Mountain Vineyards, Clos Pegase, and Rombauer where he worked with custom clients Viader, Neyers and Dominus.

Cuvaison was a perfect match as Steve’s background provides a wealth of in-depth knowledge concerning the intricacies of mountain vineyard farming as well as the unique terroir of the Carneros appellation. Steve has continued to produce ultra-premium, hand-crafted wines that capture the uniqueness of our Carneros and Mount Veeder estate vineyards and reflect the finest attributes of each vintage.

Country born: U.S.A.

Education: Graduate work at UC Davis in Enology and Viticulture
Internship at ITV SICEREX, Beaujolais, France

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
"My style and philosophy are based on expressing the unique character of our estate grapes and doing as little as possible to them. When one has such wonderful fruit to work with, that should be one’s emphasis."

Becky George

Winemaker, Brandlin

Rebecca had an early entry into the wine industry, completing her first harvest at the age of 20 in Napa Valley. The thrill of this first harvest experience coaxed her to pursue a career in winemaking. She completed her B.S. in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, then spent several years working harvest stints in France, Australia, and California, before settling in Napa Valley. She has trained under some of the most well-regarded winemakers in the industry including: Jean-Nicolas Méo, Helen Turley, Celia Welch and Francoise Peschon. Before arriving at Brandlin Estate, Rebecca spent 10 years making highly acclaimed Estate Cabernet Sauvignon for Kelly Fleming Wines in Calistoga.

Country born: U.S.A.

Education: B.S. UC Davis Viticulture & Enology, one year of exchange study at The University of Adelaide, Australia; Internships with: Williams Selyem, Marcassin, Schramsberg and Domaine Méo-Camuzet; Mentor: Francoise Peschon

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Honors / Awards:
Fellowship from the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (to work in Burgundy); Named “Emerging Winemaker of the Year” in 2019, by Antonio Galloni of Vinous.com

Winemaking Philosophy:
My winemaking goal is to showcase the truest expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from our historic Mt. Veeder Estate vineyard, and always strive for depth and complexity in the wines.