Kristen McMahan grew up in Atwater, in California’s Central Valley, where her proximity to Yosemite sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors.
While studying communications and journalism at the University of Arizona, a six-month exchange in Australia ignited her passion for wine.
In 2012, she relocated to Sonoma County, joining Korbel’s winemaking team, earning an enology degree from Santa Rosa Junior College and gaining cool-climate experience at Freestone Winery. Since joining Goldeneye in 2019 as winemaker, McMahan has become one of Anderson Valley’s most celebrated pinot noir specialists.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Kristen McMahan: Like many in this industry, I had a circuitous route to winemaking driven by passion and curiosity. In college, I was fortunate to spend my last semester studying in Australia. While I was there, I did a fair amount of wine tasting and was bitten by the proverbial “bug.” Actually, I was stung by a Portuguese man o’ war—but that’s a story for another time.
Upon returning to the U.S., I began volunteering to help with bottlings and wine club pick-ups to get my foot in the door. In 2012, I moved to Sonoma County to seriously explore the idea of a career change to wine production. I enrolled in the viticulture and enology program at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) and secured a harvest internship as a lab technician. After that first season, I knew this was the career path I wanted to pursue, as it’s my ideal blend of science and artistry.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
I never really had an affinity for chenin blanc until I visited the Loire Valley. I attended a tasting event in the town square of Vouvray, hosted by local producers. Upon first sip, my eyes opened wide, and I immediately realized how beautiful these wines could be. I’ve been a fan ever since.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Empress gin with Fever Tree tonic and a squeeze of lime or a vibrant glass of Txakoli.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
For wine, Disco Ranch in Boonville. For cocktails, Bravas and Underwood have some of the best.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Tough question. I would hope that some bottles of Goldeneye Pinot Noir washed ashore with me. I imagine myself savoring each sip while sitting by a campfire on the beach, watching the sunset.
Goldeneye,9200 CA-128, Philo, 707.895.3202, goldeneyewinery.com.
