(October 29, 2024 – Windsor, CA) — On the heels of hiring Cabell Coursey as their Winemaker, Sarah, and Michael Browne, co-owners of Browne Family Wines – CHEV and CIRQ wines, announce their appointment of Erin Miller as General Manager of their iconic Family winery.
“We are excited about Erin leading our estate winery and to a bright new future for our brands,” says Michael Browne. Erin comes to us with a winemaker’s insight into the business and will raise the level in everything we do, from the personal experience of our visitors to the expression in our wines.”
Erin Miller’s pursuit of wine has always been relentless. She typically describes herself as “from” Sonoma County, where she attended junior high and high school in her mother’s hometown of Santa Rosa. She has lived in several U.S. states and regularly traveled abroad from an early age. After Miller graduated from Portland’s Lewis & Clark College in 1999 as a math and Russian major, her journey led her to work with the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa.
She worked her first harvest at Napa’s Trinchero Family Estates and the wine bug bit. “I was fascinated by winemaking’s connection to art, science and nature.” Soon she was studying viticulture at U.C. Davis, followed by dual harvests in France. Miller moved back to Sonoma County in 2006, where she worked for Jackson Family Wines, Hartford Family Wines, Evening Land Vineyards, Twomey, and Tongue Dancer with James MacPhail, before becoming the wine director at Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Kitchen, with Chef Charlie Palmer.
“I’m thankful to Sarah and Michael Browne for giving me this opportunity to lead this great team in one pursuit, making the most delicious wines possible and providing an exceptional guest experience to those visiting our breathtaking estate winery,” says Miller.
The private estate winery, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, is a hilltop gem. Tours and tastings are accessible by appointment and availability. Surrounded by spectacular 360-degree views, the property is the perfect fit for CHEV and CIRQ and is their forever home.
About CHEV.
CHEV is sparked by Michael’s love and appreciation for old-school craftsmanship. From classic cars to vintage clocks, CHEV pays tribute to bygone days when artisans crafted in their forge and the raw was hand-wrought to expert precision. Just like our grapes—exquisitely grown by master farmers, curated from renowned sites, and refined to delicious detail in our family shop. Crafted in its own style, CHEV is unbounded by region, born from exceptional vineyards, near and far. To learn more, please visit: www.chevwines.com
About CIRQ.
CIRQ launched in 2009, with Michael’s passion for making delicious wines from Russian River Valley’s most exceptional sites. Inspired by his childhood circus-performing days, our winery ringmaster brings the same intense study, balance, and finesse to CIRQ – superbly blending the highest quality fruit from the Valley’s prime vineyards. The result is the best Pinot Noir possible through his lens, where uncommon breeding meets unprecedented flavors for the ultimate expression of this magical region. To learn more, please visit: www.cirq.com
Wines:
- CHEV Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021 $80
- CHEV Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2021 $80
- CHEV Oregon Pinot Noir 2021 $80
- CHEV Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2021 $80
- CHEV Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2021 $80
- CIRQ Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021 $175
