Growing up in Napa, Greg quickly developed his passion, and palate, from a very young age. What’s more, his affinity for recognizing great wines at accessible price points started early as well. During his budget-conscious college days, Greg scoured wine shops for great wines that delivered far beyond their modest prices. It’s a focus that’s made him a natural fit here at Don & Sons.
Greg brings a unique mix of art and science to the process of making wine. With an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, he initially conducted immunology research at the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology in southern California. But the calling of the drinkable sciences kept tugging at his heart. He returned home to Napa Valley for the harvest of 1998, and hasn’t looked back since.
Working initially at Beaulieu Vineyards in Napa Valley and Sebastiani Vineyards prior to coming to Don & Sons, he quickly worked his way up the ladder from the laboratory to associate winemaker in a matter of a couple of years. In 2009 he became our Red Winemaker, bringing his finely honed blend of science and art to every vintage since.
Born and raised in Spain by a Spanish mother and a Puerto Rican father who loved food, wine and the outdoors, Gloria Mercado-Martin naturally gravitated to the world of vineyards and wineries. As an undergrad in Seville, Spain, she studied agricultural engineering and was instantly drawn to enology for its fascinating blend of biology and chemistry. Upon graduation, her father encouraged her to journey to California, and she’s been creating standout wine here in the Golden State ever since.
When it comes to her craft, Gloria takes a less-is-more approach. She believes her role is to let the wine do the talking, to help it express itself fully without bending or forcing it in a particular direction. It’s a philosophy that has served her well throughout an extensive career working within some of the most respected names in the wine industry—Beringer Vineyards, Domaine Chandon, and Jackson Family Wineries. Here at Don & Sons, Gloria oversees White Winemaking for all of our brands. We, and you, couldn’t be more lucky.
