Michael Hirby

Mike’s contemplative winemaking style reflects his background as a former philosophy major and lifelong musician. After working as a sommelier, traveling abroad, and falling for the wines of the Southern Rhône, he moved to the Napa Valley, where he learned his craft as assistant winemaker at Behrens & Hitchcock before landing the winemaker position at Realm Cellars. In 2010, Justin Stephens convinced Mike to take on the winemaker role at D. R. Stephens Estate. Today, in addition to D. R. Stephens Estate and COLLATERAL, Mike makes wine for his own label, Relic Cellars.