Terri Strain grew up in a Central Valley farming community south of Fresno, California, and holds a degree in soil science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She and her husband moved to Santa Rosa where she first worked for Chateau St. Jean. A position as assistant winemaker at Benzinger Family Ranch/Glen Ellen Winery followed, where she worked for eight years.

As winemaker at Associated Vintage Group, she honed her skills at working with many clients at once and became more skilled at many styles of winemaking. Later, Terri was production manager at Vinovation, a wine industry support company known for its cutting-edge technology.

Capay Valley Vineyards became aware of Terri when she was the winemaker for Martini Prati winery and making award-winning Pinot Noir and Syrah. She brings to Capay Valley Vineyards not only technical expertise and experience but an artistic flair along with a great palate. At Capay, Terri crafts Tempranillo, Viognier, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Sparkling Viognier.