We’re thrilled to announce the promotion of Chris Butler to Associate Winemaker! Since joining Cristom in 2019 as our Enologist and Cellar Master, Chris has quickly risen through the ranks, becoming an essential part of our Production team. His leadership in blending trials, cork trials, bottling, our harvest intern program, and inventory management has been invaluable.

Chris holds a Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, along with dual B.S. degrees in Fermentation Science and Microbology from Oregon State University. Affectionately nicknamed “The Professor” by our team, Chris has elevated our winemaking processes through meticulous data and analysis, further enhancing the complexity and balance of our wines.

Before joining Cristom, Chris honed his skills working harvests at renowned wineries including Selbach-Oster in Germany, Leeuwin Estate in Australia, Chehalem Winery here in the Willamette Valley, as well as in Washington state and New Zealand’s Marlborough region. Chris and his partner, Draga also founded Liska Wine Co.—a wine + art brand featuring micro-lot aromatic white and red varietals with hand-crafted linocut artwork labels.