Michael Pierce, 37

Director of Viticulture and Enology, Yavapai College, Southwest Wine Center; Head Winemaker, Bodega Pierce, Clarkdale, AZ

Arizonevangelist

It’s not uncommon for a young winemaker to take classes at the University of California, Davis, or to work in places like New Zealand and Oregon before they return to their family winery. What makes Pierce’s story unique is that his parents planted vines and built a winery at the same time he took up winemaking as a hobby and began to study viticulture. The role of head winemaker for the family’s 2,000-case-a-year label, Bodega Pierce, could easily be a full-time job, but Pierce also works to expand Arizona winemaking at Southwest Wine Center at the Verde Valley Campus of Yavapai College.

Instagram: @bodegapierce, @southwestwinecenter