Winemaker: Mark Fasi

Mark Fasi has been the Diamond Oaks winemaker since 2005. Wine has always been a part of Mark’s life. He was first introduced to wine by his Sicilian immigrant grandfather. Mark recalls his grandfather inviting him to the basement to see the red cow that gives the red milk. The cow was a huge wine barrel that stored his grandfather’s homemade wine which Mark was allowed to sip from a jelly jar. As an adult, Fasi followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and made wine at home.

While working toward a degree in Biology from Humboldt State College, Fasi worked a harvest at Beringer Wine Estates shoveling tanks. After college, he entered the dairy business as a herdsman at a Holstein ranch but his love for wine pulled him back and Fasi returned to Beringer to work in the cellar.

While working in the cellar, a unique opportunity was presented to him that influenced his decision to become a winemaker. Jane Robichaud, one of the co-authors of the Aroma Wheel posted a sign at Beringer Blass requesting volunteers to smell and taste wines. Fasi signed on and after many months of tasting, by process of elimination, Mark became one of the final panelists participating in a qualitative wine analysis. Being among the finalists fueled Mark’s determination and very soon after, his dream of winemaking as a career was realized.

Fasi is a very hands-on winemaker, taking a very active role in Diamond Oaks vineyard management. Mark spends a great deal of time in the vineyards because he believes it is the grape that makes great wine and proper farming is paramount to outstanding fruit.

Mark Fasi’s approach to crafting wine is intuition armed with science. Mark explains, “Winemaking is the time when art meets science. There are so many nuances of wine that can not be conveyed relying solely on science.”

Prior to joining the Diamond Oaks team Mark made wine for Sun Stone in the Santa Ynez Valley, Bettinelli Vineyards, Robert Biale Vineyards and Robert Sinsky.

When not focused on winemaking or vineyards, Mark enjoys the outdoors, backpacking with his wife of 21 years and reading. He is also very active in the Buddhist community.

Annual Production: 9,000 cases

Grape Varieties Planted

• Chardonnay