Wine Portfolio

Thomas Rivers Brown

Winemaker, Switchback Ridge

Thomas grew up in Sumter, South Carolina, developing an interest in wine while attending the University of Virginia. After graduating, he moved to the Napa Valley and began working at a wine shop in Calistoga where he continued to immerse himself in the wine world. In 1997 he landed his first winemaking job at Turley Cellars which marked the beginning of his illustrious career. He has since become one of the most influential winemakers in the country. He was Food & Wine Magazine’s “Winemaker of the Year” in 2010 and has earned more than twenty-five 100-point scores from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator combined. Thomas is the talent behind some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wine projects, including his own Rivers-Marie. He is known for his high-end Cabernets and takes a minimalist approach to winemaking allowing a vineyard’s unique terroir to shine. We are thrilled to be working with this superstar winemaker, fellow Calistogan, and all around great guy. The future of Switchback Ridge is in great hands!

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years