Mike Embly – Winemaker
Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery
Mike Embly is the winemaker and manager of vineyard operations for Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery: a family-run boutique winery in the northern San Diego County town of Escondido, California. Mike earned his degree in Business from California State University San Marcos in 2003. After working for over a decade in the corporate world, Mike took advantage of a family opportunity. He made the career leap to grow grapes and make wine; an occupation that satisfies his creative nature and love for working with the land.
In 2009, Mike’s father thought it would be fun to grow a hobby vineyard in the backyard of their ten-acre property. Mike learned vineyard management and winemaking from the simplest and most basic principles. His repertoire has since evolved through careful study, mixing science, patience, tranquility, and guidance from friends in the wine industry.
Today Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery grows 15 varietals on their 10-acre Estate. This boutique, award-winning winery relies heavily on a cohesive team, from vineyard to tasting patio, garnering numerous accolades along the way. Each year, Mike and his team create up to 30 vineyard and vintage expressive wines ranging from Méthode Champenoise Bubbly to Port Style wines, each artfully crafted to accentuate the soul and experience of the vintage, from vine to bottle.
Join me on this “Bucket List” trip, a vinicultural exploration of New Zealand, with all the “must do” sights of this beautiful island nation. We’ll also visit the country’s most renowned wineries including Felton Road, Cloudy Bay, Mission Estate and Craggy Range. Experience the highlights of “The Land of the Long White Cloud” from bottom to top, visiting Queenstown, Christchurch & Canterbury, Picton, Blenheim, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and Waiheke Island.
On this special custom-designed tour, enjoy wines of both Hungry Hawk Vineyards and New Zealand in two special tasting events and two paired dinners. I will also compare and contrast my own California wines with vintages from other significant wineries in New Zealand.
Join me Downunder!
Mike Embly
Please Note: This is a private, invitation-only tour solely for the guests of Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery, booked through our tour operator, Expanding Horizons of Tustin, CA.