MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Ryan Sherman

Fields Family Wines / Winemaker

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WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF WINE AND HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WINEMAKER?
I didn’t grow up around wine. I was introduced to it after college via my Pharma marketing job. It was this amazing world filled with fine dining, entertainment, and great wines from all around the world. I knew that I permanently wanted to be a part of this world.

TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE LODI VINEYARDS & WINES.
Bechthold is Lodi’s oldest planting and the oldest Cinsault planting in the world. The vineyard always delivers; it is impeccably farmed and managed. The fruit comes to the winery in perfect condition and is a treat to work with each year. Cinsault is one of those French varieties I love. Our style on Bechthold Cinsault screams Cru Beaujolais – vibrant, crunchy, red fruit-driven wine; pretty and aromatic; light but complex.

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF MAKING WINE?
There are long hours, physical labor, early mornings, etc., but it is those things that make the final product all that more special.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
My day job is a Realtor. I also enjoy remodeling and rehabbing homes. Design and architecture is something that I can surf the web or social media all day long checking out.