Steve Matthiasson
Steve Matthiasson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Winnipeg, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Farmer, viticulturist, winemaker |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Known for | Contributions to low-to-moderate alcohol California wine trend; Matthiasson Family Vineyards |
Steve Matthiasson is a prominent American farmer, viticulturist, and winemaker known for his influential contributions to the low-to-moderate alcohol California wine trend.[1]
Together with his wife Jill, he established Matthiasson Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, California in 2003.[2] Since 1995, Matthiasson has been a leading viticultural consultant in Napa Valley, collaborating with esteemed wineries such as Araujo, Dalla Valle, Spottswoode, David Arthur, Chappellet, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. He has also provided mentorship to many emerging winegrowers.[3]
Early life and education
Born in Winnipeg, Canada to parents who were anthropology professors, Matthiasson completed a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy at Whittier College in 1991,[4] before relocating to San Francisco, where he worked as a bike messenger for three years.[5] He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Horticulture, specializing in Pest Management of Trees and Vines from UC Davis in 1996.[6] His professional journey began with vineyard management at Four Seasons AG Consulting in Modesto, where he concentrated on minimizing pesticide application.[5]
In 1999, Matthiasson became part of the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission and co-developed the influential Lodi Winegrower's Workbook: A Self-Assessment of Integrated Vineyard Practices, which served as the foundation for the Wine Institute's widely implemented Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices Self-Assessment Workbook, currently utilized by more than 1,400 vineyards and wineries.[7] Subsequently, he worked as a research viticulturist at R.H. Phillips Winery located in Yolo County.[7]
Steve and Jill moved to Napa Valley in 2002. They launched their wine label the following year, acquired their initial vineyard property in 2006, and expanded by purchasing their own winery in 2017.[5] Beyond his professional life, he has an interest in skateboarding and punk rock music.
Wines
Matthiasson champions organic and regenerative agricultural methods grounded in a farm-to-table philosophy, playing a key role in fostering a more varied and sustainable wine culture within the region. His pioneering use of lower temperature-controlled fermentation has influenced contemporary industry practices.
His portfolio includes an array of elegantly restrained wines that balance classical styles while incorporating both popular and rare grape varieties. Although he focuses on well-known grapes like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Matthiasson also cultivates less typical varieties for Napa Valley such as Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Cabernet Franc, Ribolla Gialla, Merlot, Tocai Friulano, Petit Verdot, and Schioppettino. His approach to crafting white wines is inspired by northern Italy’s Friuli region, whereas his red wines reflect traditions from the Bordeaux area.
Matthiasson's wines have received coverage in leading publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Bon Appétit Magazine, In-Style Magazine, Decanter Magazine, Food & Wine Magazine, and The Wine Spectator.
Achievements
Matthiasson has earned the title of Winemaker of the Year from both Food and Wine Magazine and the San Francisco Chronicle. He played a significant role in developing the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing and was nominated six times for the James Beard Award in the Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional category between 2014 and 2019.
Other
In addition to his winemaking accomplishments, Matthiasson has occupied prominent leadership positions such as former President of the Association of Applied Integrated Pest Management Ecologists and past Chair of the Viticulture Committee for the California Enological Research Association. His experience also includes serving as a Director for the Napa County Farm Bureau, a Board Member for the Applied Ecologists Foundation, and acting as a reviewer for the American Vineyard Foundation.
He is a co-chair of the 280 Project, a six-month initiative designed to provide BIPOC students with hands-on winemaking experience, promoting diversity and inclusion within the wine sector.
- ↑ Siddle, Richard. "Steve Matthiasson on New Wave & Farm to Table Californian Wines." The Buyer, 16 Jan. 2023
- ↑ Rance, Hilary. "Matthiasson Wines: Great Wines Start in the Vineyard." California Grown, 3 Feb. 2025
- ↑ White, Evan M. "SIPs and Bites: Matthiasson Wines." Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, 5 Dec. 2020
- ↑ ("Steve Matthiasson '91 Is Redefining California Wine." Whittier College)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedauto1 - ↑ Bamforth, Caroline. "Alumni Profile: Steve Matthiasson." BFTV Cluster News, UC Davis, 27 Sept. 2023
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Cite error: Invalid
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