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Mike Stonum was born and raised in Los Altos, California. His love for farming began at the age of eighteen, when he was hired on as vineyard foreman at Barra Vineyards in Mendocino County. Farmer, Pete Barra, would be an influential mentor for Mike, who came into his own as a farmer during his time with the Barra Family. Inspired to farm his own land, Mike made the move to Lodi, California planting 15 acres of Zinfandel; the beginning of Stonum Vineyards. Vineyards. In addition to farming, Mike maintained a decorated career with The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, retiring as Battalion Chief in 2007. Through trial and error, intuition, and deep passion, Mike along with his sister Kathy forged their way as self taught winemakers, a combination that would result in wines that could only be described as uniquely “Stonum”. It would be his dogged work ethic, perfectionism, and innovative spirit that would build Stonum into what it is today.
On August 30, 2019, Mike passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His legacy lives on at Stonum through his vineyard, his family, and everlasting impression on all who knew him.
Andrea Barriga follows in her parents footsteps and we have watched her grow into a confident young lady. She does it all – tasting room, vineyard and winery!!
A jack of all trades, Al’s thumbprint can be found everywhere across the grounds. In 2006, Al helped with the Stonums’ very first crush as novice winemakers, and has participated in every crush since. A heightened olfactory sense for the most obscure aromas has earned him the nickname “The Nose that Knows” and his descriptions can often be found on the wine tasting notes. Also gifted with a green thumb, Al has most recently taken on the task of managing the on-site orchard.
Nicknamed the “upgrader”, Brian works to beautify the grounds and develops garden projects for the ever-evolving Stonum Garden. If there’s a weed on the premises, Brian will pull it.