Three Generations in the Making: Mathew Bruno Winery

Mathew Bruno's journey into winemaking was almost predestined, with a lineage of grape growers and wine enthusiasts stretching back several generations. Growing up in Modesto CA, life for Mathew was many miles away (both literally and figuratively) from that of his Italian ancestors, but he was introduced to wine at an early age and observed its unique ability to bring people together. This early indoctrination, coupled with a degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, set the stage for what would become a lifelong passion culminating in his first wine release in 2009.

Mathew recruited another member of the Bruno clan, his brother Tony, to run the commercial side of the business. Tony graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Agricultural Business, and had been active member of the Ag industry and local community. He has also served as President of TDR, Inc., the Bruno Family’s general contracting company, established in 1972, specializing in agricultural, industrial and commercial construction. 

With the Brunos running the business side, they just needed a winemaker. Fortunately, they had the perfect one already picked out, longtime family friend Stephens Moody was a second generation winemaker and longtime friends of the Bruno family. 

Stephens Moody grew up on the grounds of the Petri Winery in Escalon, where his father, Ed, was a winemaker for Italian Swiss Colony. After studying abroad at Lund University in Sweden and Durham University in England Stephens, returned to California and graduated from Santa Clara University, after which he went to work for the world’s largest barrel producer.

Stephens’ first professional winemaking job was at Bronco Wine Company, where directed all aspects of production making red, white, rosé and sparkling wines. Stephens then ventured South to make wine in Argentina, learned Spanish, and upon returning to the States, Stephens shifted his focus to small lot Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot Noir program as a winemaker for the prestigious estate producer Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards.

Now working for Mathew Bruno Winery, Stephens and his team set out to source fruit from prestigious vineyards throughout the area and capture the inherent vineyard characteristics in every bottle. Their first release, a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, debuted to instant success and critical acclaim. Since then, Mathew Bruno has continued to make world class Cabernet Sauvignon while also expanding their portfolio to include a Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, and Pinot Noir.

With a comprehensive portfolio, the only thing missing was a place for Napa Valley visitors to taste the wine. Eventually, Mathew and team secured a local Victorian home to become the centerpiece of the Mathew Bruno Rutherford Estate. The Estate, centered around authentic hospitality, provides a quintessential Napa Valley tasting experience including views of the vineyards, indoor/outdoor optionality, and a bocce court for entertainment. Not to mention some damn good Mexican food next door which provides the perfect complement to Mathew Bruno’s food-friendly wines.

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Visiting Napa Valley soon? Have our concierge book you an Insider tasting at Mathew Bruno.