Why 'Grafted?'
Grafting European vines onto American rootstocks solved a worldwide hardship in grape growing in the 19th century. This adaptive process improved resistance to pests, combining the strongest features of the vines’ parentage. Grafted Cellars is a reflection of this triumph in innovation, fused together by a family team upon well-established roots. We are inspired by the integration of tradition with transformation.
Meet the Team!
Whitney
Whitney began her wine career in the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York. A beautiful AVA with hundreds of wineries, the Finger Lakes is known for their delicious white wines such as Rieslings and Gewürztraminers. This is where Whitney learned the ins and outs to running a winery in the front end and the back end and is excited to bring that expertise to Grafted Cellars.
Ryan
Ryan first started his journey in the industry with the founding of his brewery Ogopogo Brewing in San Gabriel, CA. Having played with the idea of having his own winery as well, Ryan was more than ecstatic to join Whitney as they tackled Grafted Cellars together as husband and wife. He brings his own level of winery knowledge to the table has he helped establish a previous wine brand as well as dabbled in winemaking himself.
Jaco
Jaco was born and raised in South Africa, which is also where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree Oenology and Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch. Over the past two decades his wine journey allowed him to make wine across the globe including; South Africa, France, and the USA, where he worked with numerous winemakers shaping his own winemaking style.
His approach and experience in sustainable and low intervention winemaking allows him to craft wines that represent the terroir and sense of place, with experience in different wine styles from sparkling light whites, to full oak aged red blends.
Scott
After retiring from professional baseball in Japan, Scott Mathieson has been seeking to expand his interest in the wine industry. We’re lucky to have him as a co-owner of Grafted Cellars and thrilled to have his commitment and dedication to helping us perfect our craft.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Scott was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies where he played for 10 years. After his time with the Philadelphia Phillies he headed to Japan to pitch for the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo for 8 seasons until he chose to retire in 2019.