Winemaker: Dr. David Miller

“Dr. Dave” was born and raised in and around South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from North Liberty High School before attending Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Dave received his BS in Biology, specializing in Plant Ecology and Botany. He subsequently enrolled at Michigan State University to work on a Master of Science degree in Viticulture with Dr. Stan Howell in the Horticulture Department. Dave’s MS work focused on the influence of rootstock on grapevine cold hardiness. After receiving his MS, Dave accepted a job as research manager in the Viticulture and Enology program under Dr. Howell at MSU. There, he designed and ran the grape research plots, produced the research wines and directed the vine physiology and enology lab. He worked as the research manager for 13 years, the last four of which were also spent working on his PhD. Dave’s PhD work focused on grapevine photosynthesis, carbon partitioning in grapevines and, grapevine and vineyard productivity. During his time at MSU Dave authored or co-authored over 35 scientific publications, most of them in refereed journals. He has presented his work at professional meetings throughout North America.

Dave’s employment began with St. Julian in 1997 as Associate Winemaker. He has since then been promoted to Vice President of Winemaking and is also in charge of grape grower relations. Dave also serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor at MSU in the Horticulture Department where he lectures and serves on graduate student guidance committee’s. During 2003 Dave accepted a request from the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council to Chair the Research Advisory Committee, a position he holds at present.