Wine Characters Interviews

Wine Characters are Winemakers with unique and interesting stories to tell. The interviews reveal the people behind the bottle, their wines, and brand points of difference.

I hope these story leads are worth your editorial pursuits.

These wine industry leaders would love to hear from you. Consider these interviews your invitation to work with them. See FAQ/Media Resources to learn more.

 Hans Backhoff, Monte Xanic

Hans Joseph Backhoff Guerrero has earned a Master’s degree at Cardiff University in the UK and did extensive studies in wine-making and Oenology in Bordeaux.

Hans made his first wine from mangoes when he was 15 years old, and his first red wine at Chateau Lafite Rothschild in 2003 in Bordeaux. In 2008, Hans took over the role of CEO for Monte Xanic. 

 Gianfranco Zanon, Valdo Winery

Gianfranco Zanon, chief oenologist at Valdo and one of the top 100 winemakers of 2024 as recognized by The Drinks Business, was born in Farra di Soligo, in the heart of the Prosecco Superiore DOCG area. A deep connoisseur of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, Zanon developed a strong bond with the land and its rich winemaking tradition from an early age.

 Nigel Greening, Felton Road

Nigel’s early career as a blues guitarist failed miserably and led to a substitute plan as a creative working in photography, film, and major events. He abandoned that after 25 years and fled to New Zealand where he hatched a plan to subsidize his costly Burgundy habit by swapping sides and planting his own Pinot Noir. 25 years on from that decision, he has yet to think of a better idea. When not at the winery or harassing the local trout, he retreats to his workshop where he makes acoustic and electric guitars.

Vanessa Hoffman, Knapp Winery

Vanessa Hoffman grew up in Silicon Valley, a short distance from Napa and Sonoma, where she became fascinated by the romantic idea of growing wine grapes. Her first harvest was a Ridge at Lytton Springs in Healdsburg, CA. Working at Ridge she was surrounded by passionate, dedicated people making incredible wine. Since then, she worked in wineries in California, New Zealand, Australia, and Italy. Recently, she earned her master’s in Viticulture & Enology in Italy. Vanessa joined Knapp as winemaker in 2021.

Evan Saunders, Blasted Church

Evan Saunders is the perfect blend of Prairie charm and enological wit. He joined Blasted Church in 2014 as a cellar hand, rose to Assistant Winemaker, and was promoted to Winemaker in 2017. After completing a degree in microbiology from the University of Victoria, Evan moved to Ontario to study Grape and Wine Technology at Brock University and spent over three years learning the Bordeaux-style reds at Osoyoos Larose, Oliver, BC, and traveled to Sonoma for a Pinot Noir harvest at Kosta Browne in Sebastopol, CA. His contagious enthusiasm in the cellar, and finely balanced artistic and scientific have led to his success.

 Craig Hosbach, Fox Run

Born and raised in New Jersey, and found his calling in the Finger Lakes of New York. Hosbach accumulated over a decade of experience across multiple wineries within the northern New York winemaking region before assuming the role of head winemaker at Hunt Country Vineyards in 2017. From 2023, Hosbach has a pivotal role at Fox Run Vineyards as Head Winemaker. Hosbach’s presence at Fox Run has been apparent, releasing his first vintage of Dry Riesling in 2022 and receiving high praise from respected wine critics.

Marilyn Echols Meadows Meadows Estate Winery

Marilyn Echols Meadow is a Scientist, School Teacher, Volunteer, Community Organizer, Business Owner, Wife, Mother, and a proud graduate of Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in chemistry and mathematics. She and husband Dexter began building apartments in California and Georgia. The Georgia property was sold to purchase the vineyard and winery including an Airbnb in Oregon. She is CFO and co-owner of Meadows Estate Winery.

Christian Chandler, Caelestis Cellars

Christian’s 25-year career in the coffee industry equipped him with the expertise and refined palate that translated into the realm of winemaking. The attention to detail, and understanding of factors like microclimate and harvest timing, instilled in him through coffee roasting, became the cornerstones of his winemaking philosophy. After studying viticulture and enology at Washington State University (painful for a University of Washington alumni!), Christian and his wife Kim created Caelestis Cellars, a small, family-run, urban neighborhood winery in Portland, Oregon.