About Us

From Germany & the Galapagos to become your Zen Wine Tours Guide

Wine has always had a special place in my heart. My relationship with wine began at Kastens Hotel Luisenhof in Hannover, Germany — where an apprenticeship led me into the hotel’s wine cellar for the first time, and I’ve been curious about wine ever since. That feeling followed me to the Galápagos Islands, where I had the privilege of curating the wine list at Hotel Silberstein. The bottle that truly changed everything? A 2006 Anakena ONA from Chile. I still own it. I realized that a great bottle of wine can pause the world for a moment — and that one did.

Arriving in Napa

When my wife Kat and I moved to the Napa Valley, there was only one option for work — it had to be a winery. And not just any winery. It had to be Cakebread Cellars, Kat’s favorite and the home of Dancing Bear Ranch, one of her favorite wines in the valley. Soon the Napa Valley became our home. We established ourselves, built friendships and relationships, and began exploring this beautiful wine region in earnest. Over the years that followed, I provided hospitality experiences across several wineries, gaining deep insights into farming, viticulture, and the craft of winemaking from the people who live and breathe it every day. I have visited around 150 wineries — and counting — cultivated deep relationships across the valley, and developed an instinct for what makes a day in wine country truly memorable.

Zen Wine Tours

For years I had been channeling everything I learned into helping friends, family and guests discover wine country the right way — through the hidden gems, the personal introductions, the stories behind the labels. It became clear to me that a true Zen experience is seamless, relaxing, and a genuine journey of discovery.

When you book with Zen Wine Tours, you are not just hiring a guide. I am your planner, organizer, educator, and local connection — who also tours you — all in one. I handle every detail personally, from your very first message to waving goodbye at the end of the day. Maya Angelou once said that people will never forget how you made them feel — and that is the standard I hold every experience to. With Zen Wine Tours, this is what I strive to do, every day.

I look forward to being a part of your journey in the near future!

Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let’s create your perfect day in wine country.