Mia Klein
Mia Klein | |
|---|---|
| Born | Hermosa Beach, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Winemaker, businesswoman |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Founder of Selene Wines |
Mia Klein is a distinguished Californian wine producer and businesswoman, recognized as the founder of Selene Wines located in Napa, California. Her professional journey encompasses many years within the culinary and viticulture sectors throughout both Northern and Southern California.
Prior to pursuing enology at the University of California, Davis, Klein built her career as a chef in San Francisco. Guided by renowned Napa Valley wine experts Cathy Corison and Tony Soter, she has contributed her winemaking expertise to prestigious estates such as Palmaz Vineyards, Chappellet Winery, Araujo Estate Wines, Cimarossa, Spottswoode, Viader, Dalla Valle Vineyard, and Robert Pepi Winery.
At present, Klein crafts wines under her own brand, Selene, while also providing consulting services to Bressler Winery and Boyanci.
Personal life and education
Raised in Hermosa Beach, California, Mia Klein relocated with her family to San Francisco during her final year of high school. There, she gained experience working both in a wine retail shop and as a chef at a seafood restaurant, which ignited her passion for wine. She later attended the University of California, Davis to study enology, where she assisted Professor Ann Noble in the laboratory. Klein completed her degree in 1983.
Career
Following her graduation from Davis, Klein began her winemaking career at Chappellet Winery under the mentorship of winemaker Cathy Corison. By the early 1980s, she advanced to the role of assistant winemaker. Subsequently, she joined Robert Pepi Winery, where she met Tony Soter; together they established a consulting firm serving numerous wineries in the Napa Valley. Klein also succeeded winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett at Dalla Valle Vineyard. In 1999, she became Bressler Winery’s inaugural winemaker and has held the winemaking position at both Boyanci and Cimarossa Vineyards since 2009. Her consulting portfolio includes work with Palmaz Vineyards, Spottswoode, Viader, and the esteemed label Araujo. While Soter exited their joint consulting venture in 1999, Klein continues to offer her expertise independently.
Selene Wines
In 1991, Klein introduced her personal label, Selene Wines, featuring varietals such as Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside a red blend. The Merlot undergoes a 21-day maceration process and is matured in 70% new French Oak barrels, utilizing grapes sourced from St. Helena and areas near Calistoga. The Sauvignon blanc is crafted from Musqué grapes obtained from Hyde Vineyard within the Carneros AVA. The inaugural vintage appeared in 1992. This Sauvignon blanc is fermented without malolactic conversion and ages partially in new French oak barrels and partially in stainless steel tanks. The red blend named Chesler is produced at the facilities of the Laird Family Estate winery. A notable quantity of both Merlot and Sauvignon blanc is allocated for distribution to dining establishments.