Michael Tracy’s path to winemaking was shaped by a life lived close to the vineyard. Raised on a ranch in Sonoma County, he grew up among the vines, immersed in the rhythms of farming and the people who stewarded the land. That early exposure instilled a deep respect for viticulture as both craft and calling.

He earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Cornell University, where his highly regarded research in crop balance and fruit quality in Cabernet Franc helped define a vineyard-first philosophy rooted in observation, intention, and restraint. Michael later completed an MBA in Wine Business at Sonoma State University, complementing his technical foundation with a strategic perspective on building enduring wine programs.

For nearly two decades, Michael has crafted wines across many of California’s most respected vineyard sites and completed multiple harvests overseas, including in Mendoza, Argentina. His experience spans both estate and boutique settings, cultivating a deep sensitivity to site expression, thoughtful scale, and the discipline required to guide wines from vine to cellar with precision and care.

Drawn to Darioush by its rare balance of ambition and integrity, Michael was equally compelled by the estate’s exceptional vineyards and the Khaledi family’s long-standing commitment to stewardship, quality, and longevity. As Vice President of Winemaking, he works collaboratively across vineyard and cellar to craft wines of distinction—wines that are expressive in their youth, grounded in place, and built to endure as part of Darioush’s evolving legacy. Outside the cellar, Michael maintains a strong commitment to fitness and wellness as a CrossFit athlete, yoga practitioner, and through time spent outdoors.