Winemaker, Drop of Sunshine | Treasury Americas

Michael Garrison’s path to winemaking began with a deep-seated appreciation for nature and agriculture, nurtured during his childhood in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Growing up amidst the horse and wine country of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he developed a connection to the land that would later inspire his transition into winemaking.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech in 2003, Michael spent the early part of his career designing jet engine components. Yet, despite the technical challenges and accomplishments, he missed the connection to the natural world. This longing led him to pivot his career in 2009, immersing himself in the wine industry as a sommelier and beverage manager in Portland, Sacramento, and Napa.

Michael’s desire to be on the cutting edge of wine drove him to pursue a master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, which he completed in 2015. His academic and hands-on training included a scholarship internship at Soter Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Domaine Gramenon in France’s Southern Rhône Valley. These experiences deepened his understanding of both Old and New World winemaking traditions.

Post-graduation, Michael gained invaluable experience as a harvest intern at two iconic producers: Bryant Estate on Napa’s Pritchard Hill in 2016 and Kosta Browne in Sonoma in 2017. These roles sharpened his technical expertise and reinforced his commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality.

In 2018, Michael joined Treasury Americas as an Assistant Winemaker, managing winemaking at the Sonoma Bottling Center. By 2022, he had taken on the role of Winemaker for Premium New Product Development, where he led the creation of innovative wines like Drop of Sunshine.

For Michael, winemaking is about balance—honoring tradition while embracing creativity to craft exceptional and approachable wines. “The greatest joy comes from making beautiful wines that my friends and family across the country can find and enjoy easily,” he says.

Outside the winery, Michael stays connected to the natural world through backpacking trips and trail rides with his horse, Chip. His enduring love for the outdoors continues to inspire his approach to winemaking, blending the artistry of nature with the precision of his craft.