MEET OUR PEOPLE
Chris Rivera
Seis Soles Wine Co. / Owner & Winemaker
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF WINE AND HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WINEMAKER?
I was in college and my buddy brought over a bottle of his parents’ homemade wine. It was highly acidic; I enjoyed more than I should have; and that’s all I’ll say about it. I didn't realize I wanted to be a winemaker until years later. I had taken an entry-level cellar job at a large winery. I became curious about the entire process – about how my job fit in to the larger picture. What I discovered is that what I thought was a straightforward, easy process was really a complex journey from vineyard to glass; one in which a winemaker could influence (for better or worse) at any point. I was intrigued by the challenge and the reward.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF MAKING WINE?
Selling it.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT AS A WINEMAKER?
Don't get complacent. Make sure you venture outside of your comfort zone and have fun creating. Enhance your knowledge and palate by tasting wines from around the world. This way, you have context for Lodi’s special qualities.
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER? WHY?
Joseph Smith. He's taught me how to make wine while always encouraging me to learn more so I can make wine myway. He’s shown me the benefit of collaborating and seeking out the opinions of others as a means to make great wine, every time. We both stumbled into the wine industry and took very unconventional routes to becoming winemakers, but we're better for it. I’d like to pay him back by teaching another wine “misfit” the ropes and by helping to create access to our industry to a more diverse segment of the population.
WHAT ITEMS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE CENTER CONSOLE OR GLOVEBOX OF YOUR TRUCK OR CAR?
Several packs of gum (I always forget I already have some many!), crinkled receipts "filed" away for tax purposes, and good luck charms my mom gives me.
