It takes a certain type of person to tackle the mountain and in Winemaker Graham Weerts, Stonestreet found a man talented (and tenacious) enough to coax world-class wines out of a demanding landscape.

A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Graham's move to Sonoma County took him to the far side of the globe. However, the similarities between the two areas' climate, soil-type and arduous growing conditions made him feel immediately at home.

It is fortuitous, then, that in terms of winemaking — and in truth, everyday life — Graham is most in his element when braving the elements. When not hiking the ridges of Alexander Mountain Estate, Graham can often be found mountain biking, racing kayaks or generally pushing the boundaries of the routine.