Enamored by aviation, Chris can often be found at altitude, piloting his Cessna 206 or flying a Kodiak 100 or Pilatus PC-12 above the rolling topography of Sonoma County. He’s equally at home in the saddle, and in fact first met Ellie on horseback, in his native Colorado.
Chris was drawn to the sun-kissed hills of Sonoma County by this region’s nonchalant balance between natural beauty, inviting atmosphere, and passionate people. Having walked the rows of Durell Vineyard since 2006, he possesses a deep understanding of the estate, and works alongside winemaker Kenneth Juhasz to craft the elegant and expressive Dunstan wines.
Chris is a gifted collaborator with a knack for creating tight bonds within the wine community. In 2011, he launched VineSpring, a software venture that marries his loves for wine and tech. The e-commerce platform outfits craft producers of beverage alcohol with innovative digital shopping solutions and a support system that functions like family. The company was sold in 2022.