Steve Devitt

With over 30 years of experience in the wine industry, Steve Devitt is the mastermind behind the winemaking and viticulture activities at Darioush. He possesses an intricate understanding of microclimates and local soils, allowing him to craft estate wines that authentically express the character of each vineyard. Steve’s winegrowing philosophy centers on the belief that exceptional winemaking commences in the vineyards. He personally oversees the development of new vineyards and all aspects of wine production at the estate.

Steve’s journey in the wine world was nurtured through advanced studies in enology and viticulture at UC Davis, complemented by certifications in table wine production (UCD) and an A.S. in viticulture from Napa College. His dedication to the craft was further honed through internships at the Oakville Research Station, where he specialized in biotyping phylloxera.

Steve’s mentorship under luminaries like Lori Wood (Freemark Abbey) and Larry Wara (Chalk Hill) has enriched his winemaking prowess. At Darioush, he channels his expertise into limited-production red Bordeaux varietals and small batches of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Shiraz. His winemaking approach embraces minimal intervention, featuring hand harvesting, handsorting, cold soaking, and extended maceration. The result is wines that authentically showcase the unique soils and microclimate of the estate, epitomizing the true varietal character of Darioush Signature wines. Steve’s dedication to growing a classic red Bordeaux blend underscores his commitment to producing wines of the highest quality and distinction.