Steve grew up with wine on the dinner table and to this day it’s rare that he doesn’t enjoy a glass or two with his evening meal.  After starting a career at Eli Lilly & Company he joined several wine and food appreciation groups to further his wine knowledge and began visiting California wine countries which has spread to include winery visits on 5 continents.   After early retirement from corporate life he became one of the wine makers at a leading Indiana winery and assumed the lead role during blending trials.  This role lasted 16 years until the owner died and the winery was sold to a larger northern Indiana winery where the production was moved to.  Steve and wife Kim started a small commercial vineyard in central Indiana in 2014 which continues today.

He started judging wine over 40 years ago and, except for the COVID interruption, judges at 4-6 competitions across the country annually.  Steve always feels that he expands his wine knowledge at every competition tasting different varietals and blends while learning from fellow judges’ perspectives.