Chateau Montelena Winery
Matt Crafton – Winemaker
Matt Crafton leads the production team as Winemaker at Chateau Montelena. He not only oversees all production and operations, but also plays a critical role in strategy, education and technology at the winery. Matt earned a degree in Economics from the University of Virginia in 2003. Rather than embark on a traditional career in finance, he was drawn to winemaking.
Starting at the very bottom in the cellar, Matt internalized the words from his father, “Smart people in the world are a dime a dozen. All you can do is control how hard you work.” Years later, after methodically building his tool belt in wineries and vineyards on the east coast, Napa and Sonoma, Matt was hired as Enologist at Montelena after finishing his degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis in 2008. He was promoted to Winemaker in 2014.
The dynamic atmosphere of Montelena inspires Matt to run with new ideas, striving toward perfection with every project, including oversight of the Chateau’s largest vineyard replant of the last 40 years.
When it comes to winemaking Matt’s approach follows no template. He creates terroir-driven wines that embrace the unique expression of the vineyard and vintage, saying “The vineyard produces this raw material with so much potential. My job is to take this humble ingredient and not only make something delicious but also inspiring.”
The management and staff of Chateau Montelena cordially invite you to join Matt Crafton on a on a special adventure voyage around Iceland, one of the world’s most starkly beautiful countries, sailing aboard the 264-passenger luxury expedition ship Ponant L’Austral.
Join my wife Julie and I as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Judgement of Paris aboard this stunning French ship. I will conduct two tastings on board and one paired dinner with the extraordinary, multi-award-winning wines of Montelena. This is a delightful experience for adventurous travelers, lovers of fine wine and haute French cuisine.
Sincerely,
Matt Crafton
Winemaker
Matt Crafton, Winemaker
Please note: This 7-Night Icelandic Mosaic Cruise 2026 (hosted by Chateau Montelena Winery) wine tasting tour is created by our tour operator, Expanding Horizons of Tustin, CA. The pre and/or post-cruise tour program may contain private meals, tours and/or visits to attractions. These additional services are exclusive to guests on this cruise who book their reservations with Expanding Horizons. Persons booking with alternative travel agencies will not be included in these activities.