MATT STEEL

Matt Steel brings his extensive knowledge of winemaking and business
management experience to his job as General Manager of Viticulture and
Winemaking at Sea Smoke. A native of Australia, he is well-versed in cool-climate
grape varieties and right at home in the vineyards of Sta Rita Hills.
Matt’s interest in wine started as he worked alongside his father in the family wine
shop. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science with a focus
on Enology from the University of Adelaide in South Australia. He then built a
strong foundation in winemaking as an apprentice at Petaluma Wines in Piccadilly.
It was there that Matt developed his acute attention to detail in the vineyard and in
the cellar.
Matt’s winemaking journey led him through the varied terrain of Victoria,
specifically the vineyards of the famed Yarra Valley, Australia, where he served as
Chief Winemaker for both still and sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon Australia.
As the Winemaker and General Manager of Medhurst Wines, also in the Yarra
Valley, Matt elevated the wine quality and built the winery’s reputation among wine
connoisseurs.
Matt enjoys exploring the Central Coast through a variety of outdoor activities with
his family and friends. He loves being a part of such an active community, where
he can run, ride and hike in his spare time. Matt also loves cooking and making a
mess in the kitchen while he experiments with flavors from all over the world.