Paul began his career at Korbel Champagne Cellars in 1985, shortly after his graduation from the University of California at Davis with a degree in Enology, and two years of experience working as a distiller for a subsidiary of French Cognac producer Remy Martin. Having gained extensive experience working in Korbel’s laboratory, cellar, grower relations, and as an Assistant Winemaker, as well as teaching wine chemistry at Sonoma State University, Paul
was promoted to the position of Winemaker prior to the 1996 harvest.
Named Senior Winemaker in 1998, Paul’s responsibilities include all aspects of champagne production at Korbel. He monitors the quality of the wines throughout the entire process: from grape bunches to bottles of champagne.
He believes in combining the best of world class grapes, modern technology, and traditional hand-craftsmanship to make Korbel a premier California Champagne. Paul credits much of the quality of our champagnes to the members of Korbel’s cellar crew and laboratory, who are
dedicated to excellence.
Born in Helsinki, Finland, Paul emigrated to the United States in 1968. He currently lives in nearby Sebastopol. When he isn’t making wine, he enjoys restoring old sports cars, older houses and tractors. He is very interested in the preservation of Sonoma County’s agricultural diversity.