Michelle Shafrir brings a strong background in science to her winemaking skills. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she remained close to home for her college education, completing a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2005. This was followed by an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Tel Aviv University in 2010.

Prior to entering UC Berkeley in 2003, Michelle worked as a laboratory assistant at Biosearch Technologies in Novato, CA, beginning in early 2001. She also held positions as a research assistant and teaching assistant while in college, before joining Nanomix, Inc., as an associate scientist in Emeryville after graduation.

Michelle started tasting wines and gaining an appreciation for their complexity while working on her master’s degree in Israel. Upon her return to California, her interest in wine prompted her to serve as an intern for the 2010 harvest at Cuvaison Estate Wines in Calistoga. Just a few weeks into this internship, Michelle knew she’d found her calling. As she says, “I was drawn to wine because I love nature, science, and art, and wine is all of those things. Winemaking follows the rhythm of the seasons and requires a harmony of geography, climate, soil, plant physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and the people who make it.” In addition, Michelle believes “there is always more to learn about terroir and the influences of climate, for example.”

Michelle’s internship at Cuvaison was followed by one at Arista Winery in Healdsburg in 2011 and then a position as enologist at Hall and Walt Wines in St. Helena in early 2012. She then joined the cellar team at Martinelli Winery in Windsor in mid-2013 before accepting a position in 2014 with V. Sattui Winery and Castello di Amorosa in St. Helena. Three and one-half years later, Michelle was named assistant winemaker at Miner Family Winery and was promoted to winemaker in mid-2022. Among other duties, she is responsible for crafting premium Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, among other varietals.

Michelle is largely self-taught as a winemaker, with a talent for absorbing information from mentors and knowledgeable people in the field. In her own words, she notes that “she loves the collaboration in the industry” and the willingness of others to share information and facilitate learning. Among her mentors have been the well-regarded winemakers, Leslie Sisneros and Steven Leveque.

Outside of the winery, she is fond of the ocean, redwood forests, and wildflowers. An excellent baker, she is also known as dedicated fan of flamenco.