about us
Stark Wine began with the production of one small lot of Dry Creek Valley Syrah in 2003. Since then, it has grown to reflect our passion for family, community, art and sustainability. We strive to create an environment that develops and supports relationships between family, friends and our greater community. We aim to use green materials, donate 5% of profits to art education and work with growers who employ sustainable farming practices.
We produce and sell ultra-premium wine made with grapes grown by reputable farmers with proven track records for growing exceptional quality fruit. The wines are handcrafted with tremendous care using traditional methods and modern equipment. They are full-bodied, elegant wines created to be enjoyed with food.
Christian Stark comes from a long tradition of artisans and merchants. His foray into winemaking began with his pursuit of the culinary arts at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco where he first learned of the perennial partnership of wine and food. His life after graduation took him down many paths as an accomplished musician, carpenter and graphic designer, until 2000 when he relocated to Sonoma County to address the still burning need to express himself as an artisan.
Winemaking did not come to Christian in the classrooms. He has spent the last decade immersing himself in all aspects of wine and winemaking. In addition to extensive experience in wine production he has also been involved with the retail side of the industry. His passion for wine has been his guide. He was mentored by the highly respected winemaker, David Georges while at Davis Bynum and has played an integral part in the production and release of many excellent wines. While his education has included coursework in winemaking at UC Davis, Christian is essentially self-taught. He has learned the old way — through observation, mentoring and grape-stained, hands-on experience. His wines are based on traditional Rhone styles and varietals yet he always seeks to create something that is fresh and exciting. Christian loves wine and hopes you will enjoy his.
Christian resides in Geyserville, California in the Dry Creek Valley with his wife Jen and their son Julian. They enjoy cooking for friends and family and the regular Saturday night jam sessions that dinner parties always seem to evolve into.
