KELSEYVILLE >> Myron and Marilyn Holdenried introduced Stephen Dilley as the newest member of their winery team. Dilley will serve as winemaker for Wildhurst Vineyards, overseeing production of the new vintages for 2015. He brings with him knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for the wine business.
Dilley was born in New Jersey and grew up in Pennsylvania. He continued to move westward when he attended and graduated from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
After a brief career with Verizon in Pennsylvania, Dilley decided to fulfill a long dream of studying enology. In 2008, he received his Certificate of Special Study in Enology with a second Bachelor of Science equivalent from California State University, Fresno.
Dilley’s first winemaking position was with Tulip Hill Winery in Nice. He has spent the last three years as assistant winemaker at top Napa and Sonoma wineries. Dilley also has developed his own wine under the label of Lavender Blue. He has shown and sold his wines through the Lake County Wine Studio.
“We are looking forward to working with Stephen in the upcoming 2015 vintage,” said Myron Holdenried, Wildhurst president. “He is dedicated to making premium wines and has the experience to carry us forward,”
Dilley replaces Banyon Kirkendall, who served as head winemaker since 2010.
