Vineyard Manager Michael Ahern Lewis

Michael is a new member to the Larkmead team and joined us in February, 2007. He is a fourth generation Napa Valley grape grower. His great-grandfather, Albert "Abbey" Ahern, was founder of Freemark Abbey Winery located in St. Helena. Michael's vineyard experience is extensive and he has worked in viticulture since the age of 17. Michael studied Pomology (Fruit Science) at Cal Poly SLO, Viticulture at Napa Valley College, and Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. His work experience during college ranged from Davis fresh-market table grapes to IPM field scout in Lodi. In 1996, he returned to Napa with his wife, Esther, to work in the wine industry. He is the proud father of one son, Christopher, who says he wants to be a vineyard manager when he grows up.

Michael uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and strives to make every operation in the vineyard a step closer to the ideal balanced vine and ecosystem. He has worked in over 7,000 acres of vineyards throughout the valley, in many diverse micro-climates, and believes that this particular site on Larkmead Lane is one of the best suited for Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. "The gravel and rock mixture in the A blocks allows us to manage irrigation and take Cabernet Sauvignon to the limits of viticulture, a very exciting and rewarding situation when done properly."