Mike Waller

Mike Waller, a master of Pinot Noir, is a winemaker celebrated for his terroir-driven approach to crafting exceptional wines. With over a decade working alongside legendary vintner Josh Jensen, Mike has played a vital role in guiding winemaking at Calera. Honoring the character and complexity of Calera’s renowned sites on Mt. Harlan, Mike’s winemaking style creates sophisticated wines known for their layered elegance and remarkable aging potential.

Mike’s journey in winemaking began during his viticulture and enology studies, where he cultivated a passion for Pinot Noir while working at Saintsbury. After graduating, he served as the wine chemist at Beringer before returning to the Central Coast. As the assistant winemaker at Chalone under the mentorship of acclaimed winemaker Dan Karlsen, Mike embraced a vineyard-inspired approach to winemaking.

Joining Calera in 2007 as the assistant winemaker, Mike found a kindred spirit in Josh Jensen, sharing similar philosophies and a devotion to crafting exceptional wines. In 2009, he was named the winemaker for Calera, where he developed an intimate understanding of the vineyards, producing elegant and age-worthy wines acclaimed for their cool-climate purity.