Maura Johnson grew up near the beaches in Southern California, but decided to radically change her surroundings by attending the agriculture school at the University of California, Davis, starting in 2006. While studying Mathematics there, she learned of the Viticulture and Enology program and knew that it provided the perfect mix of science and hands-on work that she desired.

Four years later, with a B.S. in Viticulture & Enology, a minor in Managerial Economics, and an internship at Beaulieu Vineyard under her belt, Maura left the country to gain experience abroad. This included working in Barossa Valley, Australia, for two vintages, Pflaz, Germany, and Central Otago, New Zealand, while returning each year to Napa for the Northern Hemisphere harvest at locations such as Vine Cliff Winery, Silver Oak Cellars, and Duckhorn Wine Company. As a consequence of this broad experience, she was able to get involved in all aspects of winemaking, including the cellar, vineyards, and lab, while working with over 30 varietals.

Maura settled down in Napa at Miner Family Winery in 2013, initially holding the position as enologist and quickly moving up to assistant winemaker a year later. In early 2018, she moved from Miner, assuming the position of assistant winemaker at Dana Estates Winery, also in Napa. She was named winemaker at VASO Cellars, a sister winery of Dana, in 2023. Maura is crafting Sauvignon Blanc and Carbernet Sauvignon at VASO.

In 2016 while still working at Miner, Maura and her winemaking partner and now husband, Charley Johnson, started March Wines, their own label. It was a project focusing on Riesling, Maura’s favorite varietal, which she has made all over the world. The project ended in 2022.

She lives in Napa Valley with her husband and their Giant Great Dane, Hannah. Most of her spare time outside of her responsibilities at Dana and March is spent camping, throwing pottery on her wheel, cooking, yoga, and walking Hannah.