Bryan Kvamme’s passion for wine got under his skin while he was working Down Under as a shepherd in 1988. He traded a life of wool growing to obtain his second Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis, this time in Enology. His hands-on experience started with time at the Napa Wine Company, then cellar and enology internship positions at Gloria Ferrer and Benessere wineries. Bryan first started working with Helen Turley at Martinelli Winery in 1997. Through his journey from Cellar Master to Winemaker in 2008, Bryan has learned from Helen the importance of quality vineyard sites, their management, and the excellent fruit they can bring forth. He has also gained an appreciation for her natural approach to winemaking -- letting the essence of fully ripened fruit shine through from the vineyard to the wine.
When asked about the Martinelli’s Bryan says, 'It is great to be making wine with the Martinelli family. It is certainly a team effort. They are both growers and winery owners committed to quality and excellence. Our goal is to make the best possible wine from each vineyard. Its the numerous vineyard sites and the handful of varietals that Martinelli produces that keeps me fascinated and challenged with the art and science of winemaking.'
Bryan currently lives in the Russian River Valley area with his wife, Claudia, and four young sons.
