Fernwood Cellars Winemaker

Matt Oetinger, founder of Fernwood Cellars and second generation wine maker, was first introduced to the wine business through his father, Lew Oetinger, owner of Hummingbird Hill Vineyards. While Matt was attending the University of California at Davis, Lew was planting grapes and making wine in Shingle Springs, California, located in the El Dorado Appellation. Through regular visits to Shingle Springs, Matt became intimately involved in both grape growing and winemaking.

In 1995 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and immediately went to work for the University’s Viticulture and Enology Department’s chair Dr. Jim Wolpert. After gaining extensive exposure to various grape varieties and trellis systems at a variety of vineyards all over the state and honing his skills as a vineyard manager at Clos LaChance Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he started Fernwood Cellars.

Fernwood Cellars is located at the base of the Santa Cruz mountains on the historic Redwood Retreat Road. This land has been in Matt's family for over 6 generations.The surrounding area, it's landscapes and soil make it an excellent location for the winery.

Matt has been making his wines since the first harvest of 1995, and today Matt is still growing his winery, planting vineyards and improving the quality and timelessness of his craft. Matt also manages and maintains many local vineyards ranging from large estate to custom home vinyards. He is available for consultation and can help bring your custom home vineyard dreams to life.