On Episode 10 of The Assemblage Wine Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Kennedy. We spoke about his journey of working as the Wine Director of the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and Head Sommelier for Eric Ripert, at his highly awarded restaurant Blue by Eric Ripert. From there, he was inspired by a trip to Napa Valley and he decided to follow his dreams to become a winemaker. Michael has since created his own wine portfolio called Vin Fraîche. Vin Fraîche is now comprised of Component Wine Company in Napa Valley and Bordeaux, State of Mind Wines in Oregon and Washington, and Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards in Napa Valley.

Michael has been featured in national publications such as Forbes Magazine, Food & Wine Magazine, Vogue, VinePair, SevenFifty Daily, Business Insider and more! In 2017, he was named to Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 for his work in the wine industry. Michael splits his time between Napa Valley, Bordeaux and his hometown, St. Louis. He and his wife have two sons.

Be sure to follow Michael on Instagram at @winebymichael as well as his portfolio of wines at @vinfraiche, @componentwine, @stateofmindwines, @gkvwine, and @lacacciavino.