Michael has made wine with some of Oregon’s greatest producers: Willakenzie Estate, Domaine Serene, and Belle Pente, as well as with Barolo and Barbaresco producer Castello di Verduno in Verduno, Italy.

He also bottles his own wine under the Genius Loci label. He produces estate pinot noir and pinot gris from Yamhill County, and syrah from Folin Vineyards in Southern Oregon. His wine is featured at this year’s Indie Wine Fest in Portland.

Michael’s mom, Patricia, who teaches at the Northwest Viticulture Center, helped in harvest 2007 and created the first Illahe documentary. His fiancée, Desireé, is also a frequent volunteer for Genius Loci and Illahe.