Winemaking
As a fourth generation winemaker, Massimo Monticelli knows his way around a vineyard and wine cellar. To pursue his passion for winemaking, he double majored in Chemistry and Biology at UC Irvine before attending the UC Davis Enology and Viticulture Masters program. His professional career began assisting at Silver Oak Cellars and after several vintages with the legendary winery, Massimo decided to venture out as an independent winemaker. For nearly a decade, Massimo has specialized in small lot boutique wines from both Napa and Sonoma wine growing regions. "I get great satisfaction from small lot winemaking such as with Cyrus Creek on Diamond Mountain where I am closely involved in every step of the process. From fruit selection through the final blend, I know that each vintage is getting the care and attention necessary to make a very special wine from this very special terroir."