Michael Davies
A to Z Wineworks & REX HILL
A small-town New Zealander, Michael completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Scandinavian Studies and Political Science at the University of Auckland leading to some unusual jobs, before returning to Lincoln University for a post-graduate diploma in Viticulture & Enology.
Prior to joining A to Z, he served as Vineyard Manager and Assistant Winemaker for 6 years at Chehalem, as well as in Burgundy, California, the Hunter Valley of Australia and numerous regions of New Zealand. Michael and his winemaker wife, Anna Matzinger, make Matzinger Davies wines.
Todd Graff
Frank Family Vineyards
After two decades of global winemaking experience, Todd Graff became the Winemaker and General Manager at Calistoga’s Frank Family Vineyards in 2003. Playing a pivotal role in the winery’s growth for 17 vintages, Graff is credited with shaping Frank Family’s reputation as a premier Napa Valley Cabernet and Chardonnay producer. His contributions include overseeing the construction of a state-of-the-art winery in 2008, facilitating the acquisition of the historic Wood Ranch Vineyard in 2012, and obtaining Napa Green certification in 2015. The Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine recognized Frank Family as Winery of the Year in 2012 and 2017.
Graff’s winemaking journey began with a wine course at Santa Rosa Jr. College, followed by a degree in plant science and viticulture from UC Davis in 1984. His global odyssey included working at renowned estates such as Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Weingut Klaus Schweicher in Germany, Château Yon-Figeac in France, and Arrowfield Estate in Australia. Returning to Napa Valley in 1987, he worked at Stag’s Leap Winery, honing his sparkling wine expertise at Schramsberg Vineyards from 1990 to 1995. Graff’s diverse career also saw him as the Sparkling Winemaker for Cordoniu (now Artesa) in 1995. Beyond the vineyards, he enjoys international travel, hiking, golf, mountain biking, and fly-fishing when not accompanied by his chocolate Labrador, Bristol.