Winemakers
Jonathan O’Bergin
Jonathan O'Bergin
I was raised on a farm in Gilroy, California, the oldest boy of 6 children. My days began early: milking the cows and watering the vegetable garden. My mother put up fruit, we raised chickens, and made cottage cheese… it was a busy life. The family farm was adjacent to old style, head pruned vineyards farmed by an Italian family – they fascinated me.
I attended UC Santa Cruz but explored the world at every chance, which is why it took me 8 years to graduate! I began winemaking in 1977 while fulfilling my Natural Science requirement in school. Who knew that taking Wine Chemistry would prove that my liberal arts education was valuable!
In 1978, while traveling through Champagne, I met Colin Fenton MW who took me under his wing and thus began my career in wine: importing California wines to England. In 1980 my Alexander Valley Chardonnay selection won the Gold Medal at the World Wine Fair in Bristol, England. This was a significant moment; the recognition of California wines in Europe, and no small deal.
I built a home in Anderson Valley in the 80’s, planting my first Pinot Grapes in 1987 after falling in love with Clos de la Perrier Fixin in Burgundy. My first Anderson Valley Pinot Noir was made in 1989. I’ve been making Burgundian style Pinot ever since.
Contact Jonathan at jpo@gryphonwines.com about wine making or sales to Trade questions.
Marie Johnston
Marie Johnston
I was born in Carmel, California. My mother was a French war bride, my father an American born Scotsman. My mother opened ‘The French Café’ in 1949 it was the first French restaurant in Carmel. Holidays were spent in France visiting relatives in the North at their hotel/restaurant/café where my sister and I roamed the kitchens and bothered the cooks. My Grandfather had a home on the shore in Cabourg. He loved to eat and drink. For Pepe, everything had it’s precise season, and as a family we orchestrated meals around his obsession for that perfect moment of ripeness in tomatoes, peaches, melon, Camembert – all food was subject to that scrutiny.
I learned to eat and cook by the seasons. This remarkable training was the foundation for my life as a restaurateur /caterer and it served me well. I worked with local farmers, preparing ethnically authentic foods using only those products at the peak of their season. Something quite in vogue today, yet virtually unheard of in the 80’s when I began.
When Jonathan and I were married, a whole new world opened up to me in winemaking. The details that go into making or blending a delicious wine are not dissimilar to preparing a delicious meal. It became clear to Jonathan that I could pick out subtleties of aroma and texture that complimented his strengths – making us a great team.
Today, I have found a new and exciting expression of those sensitivities, which I bring to you in my Signature Series Wines. Jonathan and I hope to expand our series to include exciting wine finds from all corners of the planet.
Contact Marie at mj@gryphonwines.com about Maries Johnston Wine or Marketing questions.
Stephen Bellamy
Stephen Bellamy
Born in New Zealand, Stephan and Jonathan met in 1975 on the Island of Rarotonga in the South Pacific. Both continued on their journeys and adventures. Stephen eventually settled in California, and after a stint at David Bruce Winery teamed up with Jonathan in 2003. Stephen wears many hats at Gryphon, not the least of which is Supreme Optimist. Tireless during crush, he keeps operations humming with unflagging enthusiasm and level headedness.
Stephen lives in Santa Cruz County with his daughter and his dog. Stephen is the Trade contact in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
Contact Stephen at sgb@gryphonwines.com to arrange for a tasting.
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