Winemaker Matthew Rorick found his passion for wine at his grandfather’s table, where the elder Rorick’s love of sharing a bottle, a meal and good conversation inspired Matthew to pursue a career in winemaking. After receiving a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis, Matthew worked harvests in South Africa at Waterford, in Chile at Viña Errázuriz, and in New Zealand at both Craggy Range and Blake Family Vineyards. In California, he has made wine at Peter Michael Winery, Chasseur Wine Cellars, Dashe Cellars and Miura Vineyards.

Matthew’s winemaking philosophy is to strive for the purest expression of the relationship between site and vine. He feels Elizabeth Spencer offers a unique opportunity to address that challenge, with its commitment to searching among a wide range of sources for the most vibrant, complex, and exciting fruit available. In the winery, Matthew believes in an approach that he calls “meticulous minimalism,” in order to allow the fruit to showcase its true character.

When he’s not relaxing with his prizewinning English Mastiff Tallulah, Matthew can be found tending his orchids, practicing Aikido, or enjoying a motorcycle ride along his native California coastline.