Michael Terrien, Co-founder

After briefly considering a long-line swordfishing career in his home state of Maine, Michael headed west to California, where restaurant work piqued his interest in winemaking. It was around this time that he met Peter Molnar through a mutual friend. They met for a drink, and by the second had decided to make some wine together, starting with just a few dozen cases for friends and family. Meanwhile, Michael earned a degree in Enology at U.C. Davis and made wine at Acacia and Hanzell under the tutelage of some industry greats. The discovery of an abandoned orchard of bonsaied walnut trees on a steep ridge half a mile above sea level in the Mayacamas Mountains was a delicious turning point. Together with Peter’s brother, Arpad Molnar, the three founded what is today Obsidian Wine Co.; vinifying their first 98 cases of Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon in 2002 and their first Chardonnay from Poseidon Vineyard the following year.