After securing his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Steven recognized that winemaking was his singular passion and he committed himself to making it his vocation. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a position as Cellar Assistant at Brander, where he had yet another opportunity to work for a distinguished Central Coast winemaker. In that position, he gained experience integrating an old-world winemaking approach with the opulent fruit of the central coast. He also gained experience working with Bordeaux varietals.
In 2003, with a yearning to work with Pinot Noir once again, Steven took the production assistant job at Rusack Vineyards. He saw Rusack as a place where he could “create quality-driven wines and be involved with the recently planted, state-of-the-art vineyard.” Steven has been with Rusack nearly eleven years, beginning as production assistant, moving on to Cellar Master, and working his way up to Assistant Winemaker. While completing his Certificate in Winemaking at the esteemed University of California at Davis in 2012, Steven was appointed Winemaker.
At Rusack Vineyards, he oversees a portfolio of estate-grown, Rhone-inspired wines; the production of Anacapa, the popular Bordeaux style blend, and a Burgundy-inspired selection of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley appellations of Santa Barbara County. Our wine program also includes an estate-grown Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and several other notable offerings.
Additionally, Steven oversees all winemaking for the Santa Catalina Island Vineyards wine project; an elite collection of wines grown on Catalina Island. Steven’s outstanding results speak for themselves and are testament to his talent, drive & commitment.