Winemaker

Michael Garrison’s journey into winemaking is a story of passion, purpose, and an unshakable love for the land. Raised in Virginia’s breathtaking Shenandoah Valley, he grew up surrounded by the rolling horse farms and lush vineyards of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This deep-rooted connection to nature and agriculture would later shape his path to crafting exceptional wines.

Though he initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering at Virginia Tech, graduating in 2003, Michael soon realized his heart belonged not in jet engine design but in the vineyards. In 2009, he made a bold leap—trading precision engineering for the artistry of winemaking. He dove headfirst into the industry, working as a sommelier and beverage manager in Portland, Sacramento, and Napa before refining his expertise in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Hands-on internships at Soter Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Domaine Gramenon in France’s Southern Rhône Valley gave him a deep appreciation for both Old and New World winemaking styles.

Determined to master his craft, Michael trained at some of the most prestigious wineries in the world. He honed his skills at Bryant Estate on Napa’s legendary Pritchard Hill in 2016 and at Kosta Browne in Sonoma in 2017—experiences that sharpened his technical prowess and fueled his passion for creating world-class wines.

In 2018, Michael joined Treasury Americas as an Assistant Winemaker, overseeing production at the Sonoma Bottling Center. By 2022, his expertise and vision earned him the role of Winemaker for Premium New Product Development, where he spearheaded the creation of bold, innovative wines—like Drop of Sunshine.

What excites Michael about being part of Drop of Sunshine?
“I was raised almost exclusively by women in Appalachia, so I was blessed with a special respect and allyship in supporting and promoting women. I felt a special kinship with Reese’s mission, knowing that she also spent time growing up in that region. Appalachia is a place with rich contributions to storytelling, culture, and tradition, but it can also be limiting for some female voices and opportunities. So, to work with some of the best female winemakers on this project and align with such a great brand mission has been an honor. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to the crafting of a wine that not only celebrates the artistry of winemaking but also amplifies the voices of women. Drop of Sunshine represents so much more than just wine—it’s about creating an inclusive space where all stories are heard and celebrated.”

When he’s not crafting wines, Michael stays grounded in the natural world, whether he’s backpacking through the mountains or riding trails with his beloved horse, Chip. His passion for the outdoors continues to shape his winemaking—blending nature’s beauty with precision, artistry, and innovation.