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Winemaker Michael Leven is a nearly twenty year wine industry veteran with experience at some of Washington and California's top houses. After three years in public relations and sales at Chateau Ste. Michelle, Leven earned a second degree in Enology from Fresno State University. Upon graduation he hit the fast rack, first working for Glen Ellen as winemaker for dry white wines, then moving to sister company Beaulieu Vineyard where he skillfully served as winemaker for the BV Coastal brand. Most recently he oversaw winemaking for Kendall-Jackson's Monterey facility and was the winemaker for KJ's Camelot brand, helping orchestrate 75-100% annual growth for five straight years.
Michael is quick to point out that working with larger wineries gave him vineyard experience he never would have gotten on his own. Buying grapes throughout California's Central Coast allowed him the opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of the areas vineyards, both large and small.
That's also why one winemaker can make all the different wines in the Mariposa portfolio, each with its own distinctive style. It's all in the vineyards.
Download Michael's entertaining Brand Profile on Cru (PDF)
