The Winemaker
California's wineries are renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines; yet within this small group of talented individuals, there is an even smaller inner-circle of winemaking titans who consistently craft truly extraordinary vintages. Mike Smith has planted himself firmly in the center of that rare inner-circle.
Originally hailing from Oregon, Mike honed his winemaking skills under the guidance of the esteemed Thomas Rivers Brown, and worked at some of California's most respected wineries, including Schrader, Rivers Marie, Maybach Family, and Outpost. By combining his innate winemaking talent with the knowledge and expertise gained from his mentor, Mike has created some of the most sought-after and revered wines in the world.
While Mike has an exceptional ability to make a wide range of spectacular varietals, it is when crafting Cabernet Sauvignon that his skills shine brightest. His Cabernet Sauvignons have collectively garnered an impressive sixteen 100-point scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck. In fact, Mike has won the most 100-point scores from Wine Advocate in a single vintage not once, but twice. He has also received numerous accolades from professional publications such as Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and Wine Advocate. In 2012, three of his wines were even selected for the prestigious Flavor Napa Valley “Legends of Napa Valley Definitive Tasting.”
Mike's talent lies in evoking the character and complexity of each vintage, and his refined natural winemaking techniques define some of the world's greatest vineyards. At Perchance Estates, Mike was personally involved in every step of the winemaking process. From consulting to determine which rows to select from within the various vineyard blocks, to working with the Beckstoffer team to tailor farming techniques, to making crucial harvest decisions-- Mike oversaw it all. He tested and tasted the wine constantly, making adjustments along the way to ensure that each vintage exceeded his lofty standards.
Whether you are an experienced oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, the quality and craftsmanship of the wines that Mike Smith crafts for Perchance Estates make them an incredibly special experience worth savoring. Each bottle of is a testament to Mike's extreme attention to detail, patience, confidence, knowledge, and experience. With an unyielding commitment to excellence, Mike leaves an indelible mark on every vintage he oversees. The result is wines that impress both with their complexity and depth, as well as their unique character which exemplifies the exceptional terroir of the Napa Valley.
We are proud to celebrate and share the fruits of Mike's labor with the world, and invite you to explore the world of Perchance Estates wines for yourself.