MATT DONATI
Owner, Vineyard Manager

Matt Donati admits that, while growing up, he never really understood his father’s affinity for wine. That changed when, as a young adult, he began tasting Cabernet Sauvignon and other serious reds. “Dad almost always had white wine at the dinner table,” Matt said. “I’ve inherited some great qualities from him, but a preference for Pinot Blanc isn’t one of them.”

This difference is one of very few for the father and son team, who share a commitment to excellence and a disciplined approach to being the best at whatever they set out to do. One look at their immaculate vineyard and the Donati family work ethic is obvious. As Vineyard Manager, Matt sees to it that each and every vine is lovingly tended to assure optimum fruit quality.

“Our goal is to grow grapes and make wines of the best possible caliber,” Matt says. “And, we work hard to keep the vineyard looking great and always ready to welcome the unexpected visitor.”

Prior to taking charge of the family farm, Matt earned a degree in Sports Administration from the University of San Francisco where he played college baseball. It was Matt’s involvement in sports where he learned to play to his strengths, keep a positive attitude, and “work his butt off sweating eight hours a day” so that he could be at his best when it came to game time.

After college, Matt coached high school baseball for a couple of years, then traded in his batting cage for 1000 acres of deer-fenced vineyard land in Paicines, California. Since then he has poured all of his energy into the family vineyard, and started a family of his own. When he’s not tending the vines or his three young daughters, he’s likely to be found enjoying a glass of Cabernet.