The former Vice President, Winemaker at Fetzer Vineyards, Martin earned an Agricultural Business degree in 1973 from California State University at Fresno and a master’s degree in Enology and Food Science there in 1975. He worked at United Vintners as a cellar supervisor, white and sparkling winemaker until 1982, when he moved to Scott Laboratories, a major winery supply company where he served as a sales enologist. In 1985, Fetzer Winemaster Paul Dolan selected Martin as his assistant. When Fetzer was acquired by Brown-Forman in 1992, Martin was named
Director of Winemaking. In 1996, Martin ascended to the position of Vice President/Winemaking accountable for all winemaking at Fetzer Vineyards for their several brands.
Martin and his winemaking staff was dedicated to working with individual grape growersand committed to the concept that winemaking is an integrated team effort. Martin focused on the Fetzer super premium and Luxury collection and selecting the highest quality varietal fruit from vineyards in the finest growing regions of California. “I think one of our major strengths as a winery is our ability to blend consistently, vintage after vintage,” Martin said.
With the Luxury wines, production lots are kept relatively small to emphasize individual vineyard character in the wine’s true expressions of the terror they represent. “We strive to make the best possible wine we can from each vintage, emphasizing the true character of each varietal. Our goal is to offer our consumers quality wines that are stylistically pleasing and consistent from vintage to vintage.” Fetzer was acquired by the Chilean wine company Vina Concha y Toro in 2011 and Martin was excited about the future opportunities for investment, growth and improved quality for all of the brands. “It’s great to be owned by a wine company again,” Martin said.
Dennis is a member, former director and a past President of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture. He is married and has two children. Dennis was with Fetzer Vineyards for 31 years.