September 10, 2024, Santa Maria, CA – Bien Nacido Vineyards, widely known as one of the most respected vineyards in the United States, is pleased to announce the hiring of Gregory Gonzalez as Director of Agriculture Operations for Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills and Carlyle Farming Company. With extensive experience in vineyard management and operations, Gonzalez offers a fresh perspective as this iconic vineyard embarks on a new chapter in its history.
With 15 years of hands-on experience across California’s Central Coast and Central Valley, Gonzalez brings a wealth of viticultural expertise to his new role with Bien Nacido Vineyards. As Vineyard Director, Gonzalez is honored to build upon the legacy of his predecessor, long-time Vineyard Manager Chris Hammell, who will work alongside him during the 2024 harvest to ensure a seamless transition. Driven by a vision to not only preserve but also elevate Bien Nacido’s iconic reputation, Gonzalez is committed to bringing fresh ideas and a dedication to quality to continue enhancing the vineyard’s storied success for years to come.
Raised on his family’s hazelnut farm in Oregon, Gonzalez first joined the wine industry as a harvest intern at Scheid Vineyards in Monterey. After 12 years with Scheid, where he rose to Director of Vineyard Operations managing over 4,200 acres of vines across Monterey County, Gonzalez brought his skills to Foley Family Farms in Santa Barbara County. Later, he joined Coastal Vineyard Care Associates to help scale and transition their rapidly growing operations. Throughout his impressive career, Gonzalez has grown over 38 grape varieties and 21 Pinot Noir clones, with many wines under his care earning top scores up to 99 points.
“We are thrilled to welcome Greg to our team,” says Marshall Miller, Chief Operations Officer. “His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the land align perfectly with Bien Nacido’s philosophy of growing high-quality grapes that reflect the unique terroir of the land. Not only that, but we have complete confidence in his ability to lead both Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyard into their next phase of excellence as we continue to improve these sites.”
Indeed, Gonzalez will lead the Miller family’s efforts to gradually replant and redesign Bien Nacido Vineyard, planted in 1973, and sister vineyard, Solomon Hills, planted in the late 1990s, over the next several years. “It’s incredible how much outstanding fruit we’ve harvested from the vineyards my father and uncle planted decades and decades ago—success that can be attributed to their vision and our family’s dedication to meticulous farming,” shares Nicholas Miller, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. “We’re grateful for the many clients who have sourced our fruit for their own wines over the years, and look forward to continuing to be a reputable fruit source for top producers.”
Adds Marshall Miller, “We see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prepare the land for continued success, especially in light of a changing climate. With decades of experience behind us, we’re using that knowledge to ensure our vineyards flourish for many more years to come.”
As part of the family’s long-term vision, a portion of the land will be leased to local vegetable farmers, fostering a deeper connection with the community while promoting sustainable agriculture. Explains Bien Nacido Estates’ Winemaker Anthony Avila, “These local farmers help us by cleaning up the blocks, tilling the soil and removing any remaining old vine roots. Their crop rotation throughout the year also rejuvenates the soil, replenishing vital nutrients.”
With an eye on the future, Gonzalez, Avila, and the Miller family are excited to embark on this new chapter for Bien Nacido. The thoughtful replanting and redesign of the vineyard under Gonzalez’s direction, combined with sustainable partnerships with local farmers, ensure that Bien Nacido Vineyards and its estate wine program, Bien Nacido Estates, will be able to continue its legacy of excellence for generations to come.
About Bien Nacido Vineyards
Bien Nacido Vineyards is owned and operated by the Miller family, a multi-generational farming family and owners of the industry-leading Miller Family Wine Company. Miller Family Wine Company includes the prestigious Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estates and acclaimed national branded wine labels such as Butternut, J. Wilkes, Pandemonium, optik, Ballard Lane, Smashberry, Barrel Burner, Volunteer, Hand on Heart, and Reciprocity wines, in addition to control label brands for prominent retailers across the U.S. and the French Camp vineyard in Paso Robles. For more information on Miller Family Wine Company, please visit www.millerfamilywinecompany.com.
