From an early age, Robert was fascinated by geology, which led to seven years of technical geologic study and ultimately a Master of Science degree in Geological Sciences. As a professional geophysicist, or, as he puts it, an Earth Scientist, Robert recalls, “I found myself investigating geologic basins and rock outcrops around the world.”

During his studies, Robert was introduced to wine, which inspired him to travel to wine regions around the world. In 2001, through a work transfer, he moved to California, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. “The connection between wine and terroir became a fascination which I examined as part of my graduate studies,” states Robert, “which led to four months working in the Côte d’Or as a Confrèrie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Fellowship Laureate, offering the opportunity to taste the wines, dig in the soil and discuss the connection between wine and the land with local vignerons – some whose families had worked the same land for nearly three hundred years.”

His winemaking career began with his personal exploration of crafting wines from acclaimed Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir estates, followed by internships at renowned producers throughout the Napa Valley. Throughout his burgeoning winemaking career in California, he continued to explore wine experiences abroad in Burgundy and the south of France. In 2016, he spent three years working with Tim Mondavi as part of the small winemaking team creating Continuum Estate wines.

Since Peter Michael Winery was founded in 1982, it has a storied history of supporting emerging winemakers, and the team welcomed Robert as the winemaker in 2020. Robert continues to work alongside a tenured team, including thirty-six year veteran vineyard manager Javier Aviña. Robert leads the winemaking team on the continued journey to craft terroir-driven, varietal wines from the three Peter Michael Winery estates in Knights Valley, Fort Ross-Seaview, and Oakville.