The Winemakers

Mike Zitzlaff and Chris Nelson direct the winemaking efforts for Bohemian and work closely with the Clearys throughout the growing, harvesting and winemaking cycles to ensure alignment on all key decisions affecting the style and quality of the final product.

Michael has 20 years of international winemaking experience including his role as CEO and Chief Winemaker at Yarra Valley's Oakridge Estate – a company that he took public in 1996. Michael's wines have been recognized internationally with awards including the Warren Winiarski Stag's Leap Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show, the Wolf Blass Trophy for Best Australian Red Wine of Show at London's International Wine and Spirit Competition, and the award for Best New World Pinot Noir at the International Wine Challenge in London. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Oenology from Australia's Famed Roseworthy Agricultural College.

After receiving an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Vanderbilt University, Chris pursued a master's degree in enology at Fresno State. There, he found the perfect marriage of his love of science and passion for wine and has never looked back. His practical winemaking skills were honed while working with outstanding winemakers from Lynmar Winery in Russian River, Dry River Winery in Martinborough, New Zealand and Araujo Wines in Calistoga.