A native of Australia, Matt Steel is well versed in cool-climate grape varieties and is right
at home in the vineyards of the Central Coast, where he is general manager, viticulture
and winemaking for Sea Smoke. “There are many parallels between California’s Central
Coast and Australia’s coast, especially the great effects the maritime influence has on
our grapes,” says Matt. “I want to incorporate this aspect into the wines in a way that is
really expressive of the region.”

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. He then served as the
general manager at JUSTIN & Landmark Vineyards in Paso Robles. Prior to working at
Sea Smoke, Matt oversaw winemaking at some of the most acclaimed brands in the
GALLO portfolio: Talbott Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Denner Wines &
Vineyards in Paso Robles and The Language of Yes, a collaboration with Randall Grahm
sourcing across the Central Coast.

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.