CLEARLAKE OAKS – Shannon Ridge winery has named Lake County wine industry veteran Mike Wood as the new director of wine production.

Shannon Ridge, one of the High Valley appellation’s pioneering wineries, is owned by longtime grape grower and vineyard consultant Clay Shannon and his wife, Margarita.

Prior to joining Shannon Ridge, Wood was employed by Langtry Estate & Vineyards for the past 22 years. Most recently he worked as the brand’s winemaker for its California wine line for the last seven years.

Before that, Wood was the production manager for more than 10 years, and served as assistant winemaker at Langtry Estate & Vineyards.

Additionally, he had worked as the winemaker for Mount St. Helena Vineyards and Winery in Middletown for the past six years.

Wood is also the winemaker for his own wine label, Shed Horn Cellars, also located in Middletown.

A longtime resident of Lake County, Wood he lives in Cobb Mountain with his wife Adawn, also an employee at Shannon Ridge, and their two daughters.

“We are happy to welcome Mike to the Shannon Ridge team,” said Clay Shannon. “I am confident that he will be a strong addition to our winemaking family. His expertise in the Lake County wine region will prove to be a valuable attribute.”

In 1995, Clay and Margarita Shannon purchased the mountain property in the High Valley appellation that today is known as Shannon Ridge. They began planting vineyards along the steep volcanic ridges and now have 390 acres of prime vineyards on the ranch. Shannon Ridge released its first wines, made by winemaker Robert Pepi, in 2004.

Wine Business Monthly named Shannon Ridge one of the hottest new wine brands in 2006. The winery currently makes Cabernet Sauvignon (High Valley), Syrah (High Valley), Zinfandel (Lake County), Petite Sirah (Lake County), Barbera (High Valley), Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County) and Viognier (Lake County).

Built in 2004, the Shannon Ridge tasting room is located in an old one-room school house on Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks, adding to the family-owned business authenticity for which the winery prides itself.

For more information, please visit www.shannonridge.com or call 707-998-9656.

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