Meet the Winemakers

Christopher Christensen is an Iowa native, winemaker and owner of Bodkins wines. After graduating from Stanford University, where he gained an appreciation for wines, he worked in several wineries. He would eventually get a “real job” in corporate America, but the love of wine pulled him back, and he established his own winery in 2011. Chris is the producer of the first Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc in America. Chris has consistently produced award-winning wines despite having ADD and being dyslexic!

Shae Frichette, on a simple coin toss (which she lost), she and her husband relocated from Southern California to Washington to start a new life as winemakers. This South Carolina native would leave her Operational Development position at Stanley Black and Decker and start a new journey, Frichette Winery located in the prestigious Red Mountain AVA. Starting out as assistant winemaker to her husband, Shae would be inspired after attending a Black Women in Wine Celebration, to make her own wines. She now has her first wine under her belt, and it is every bit Shae (Sashay Wines)!

Longevity Wines is the largest Black owned winery, and first urban style winery to open in the Livermore Valley. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, winemaker and owner, Phil Long handles everything from grape to bottle. Leaving a long time career as Executive Creative Director, Phil has produced over 20 different varietals. He keeps a hands-on approach to quality control. The Longevity philosophy declares it is not just about the wines, but the experience. His creative talents have produced wines that consistently win awards. And, his welcoming and hospital demeanor is what helped him win “Winery of the Year” in Livermore Valley.

Theodora Lee, a practicing Bay Area Employment and Labor Law attorney, established a small vineyard in 2003 and hand-crafted her winery located in California’s prestigious Yorkville Highlands of the Anderson Valley. The AVA is a highly elevated, rugged interior wine-growing area. After several drives to the wine region to deliver briefs to her law partners, Theodora made the decision to purchase her own land and plant a vineyard. After clearing the sheep land, drilling a well, planting the seeds, Theodora yielded her award winning signature varietal, Petite Sirah. In 2006, wines produced from her first harvest of grapes received 94-96 points rating by wine critic, Robert Parker, continues to receive high ratings and awards.

In a previous life, Dan was immersed in the art and culture of the music industry, writing and producing in Los Angeles when a different muse caught his eye in the form of the seductive Pinot Noir, drawing him into the artistry of winemaking.  After several years at various wineries such as Clos du Bois, Armida and Dutcher Crossing; he decided to honor his muse with a creation all his own: L’Objet Noir.  His philosophy on winemaking is really very simple. He pursues the finest vineyards and fruit, turning away grapes he believes would require too much manipulation. He is sure you will find the quality of the grapes, the vineyards and his wine will speak for itself.

Bertony grew up in NY. Son of a Haitian immigrant, and former Anesthesia Technician, Bertony would enter into the wine making business purely by chance. Bertony plants the vines, tends to them, harvests the fruit, and makes the wine. Bertony’s the heart and soul, the drive that pushes Abbey Creek forward. Bertony, the first Black winemaker in Oregon, is an earth to glass winemaker. He has taken the pretension out of winery visiting. Stop by for a wine tasting experience, and you’ll likely hear hip hop setting the mood.

Over its history, the winery has produced award-winning exquisite wines celebrated for their robust and pleasant flavors that represent the upper Carmel Valley, California. Raymond formerly worked as a Ship Joiner and grocery clerk before he relocated to the central coast of California. He developed a relationship with growers and producers and learned the intricacies of the business. Taking his attention to detail, as well as his expertise in his prior jobs, Raymond has exacted the aromas and flavors of the grapes to produce premium varietals and elegant blends including his signature Tuscan blend, Ambiente.

Just a humble Charm City Girl, born and raised on the Westside of Baltimore’s concrete jungle. Combine her crush for the love of wine, bottled with a thirst for learning, aged through passion for the fermented grape, creating the perfect vintage. Kimberly has been in the wine industry for over a decade and a half in multiple capacities. From volunteer, wine blogger, assisting the winemaker, tasting room associate and (now) winery co-owner. In February 2022, Kimberly took over the role as President of the Maryland Wineries Association. In this new role, Kimberly speaks on behalf of the association as to new and evolving alcohol laws in Maryland.

Kimberly works with local farmers to obtain wine grapes for each of Philosophy’s wines. It’s important to her to showcase Maryland’s vast agricultural roots. She often expresses that great wine can not be made without great grapes. Kimberly’s philosophy, “Wine is my passion and I have finally found my purpose, exploring distinct agriculture (land & soil) and producing high quality wine that highlights diverse grape varietals as unique as Maryland itself”. Wine is a forever evolving theme. With each taste of an unfamiliar varietal, there sparks opportunity.