The Winemaker

Tony Rynders began working in the wine business in 1989 at Mirassou Vineyards in San Jose, CA. While he started in the lab, Rynders ultimately finished this experience in the cellar making wine. Convinced this was his calling, he attended the University of California at Davis and obtained a Master’s degree in Enology and Viticulture in 1992. Rynders continued to obtain winemaking experience with harvests in Napa (Acacia Winery), northern Italy (Friuli), South Australia (Petaluma Winery), and Tuscany (Col d’Orcia). He held permanent winemaking positions at Argyle Winery (two years) as assistant winemaker, Hogue Cellars (3 years) as red winemaker, and Domaine Serene Winery/Rockblock Cellars (10 years) as head winemaker. During his tenure at Domaine Serene, Rynders became one of the most highly acclaimed winemakers in America. Over 10 years, Rynders developed more than 25 different products for Domaine Serene. After leaving Domaine Serene, Rynders launched his own successful wine business called Tony Rynders Consulting and subsequently Tour de Force Wine Company, which provides custom crush services. In 2008, he also developed and launched his own label, Tendril, with a focus on Oregon Pinot Noir.