Sally became involved in the wine world in 1972, managing the first wine bar in California, Napa Valley’s Wine Garden. She learned her craft through apprenticeship and decades of winemaking experience over the last 30 years, combining old world methods with current technology. In 1983 she founded Star Hill Winery in the Napa Valley, handcrafting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

A native of Mendocino County, Sally returned to her roots in 1987 to establish Pacific Star Winery, located 12 miles north of Fort Bragg and perched on the edge of the dramatic Pacific coastline. Gray whales spout and breech a few hundred feet from the cellar door on their migratory route to and from the Gulf of California.

The majority of her grapes are transported from Mendocino old-vine vineyards farmed by families in the communities of Calpella, Redwood Valley, Talmage, and Ukiah Valley. The varietals she produces include Chardonnay, Charbono, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Merlot. The wines are unfined and sparingly filtered.

For Sally, making wine is an expression of her passion, not a job.