Kevin Bersofsky

Kevin Bersofsky is a notable winemaker and the owner of Montagne Russe Wines, located in the Petaluma Gap region of California. His journey into winemaking began in 2006 when he started producing wine in his garage, which led to the establishment of his winery in 2015. The name "Montagne Russe" translates to "roller coaster" in French, reflecting the ups and downs he experienced throughout his winemaking career.1 3

Early Life and Education

Bersofsky was born in Syracuse, New York, and later moved to Rockville, Maryland. He graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Initially, he worked as an engineer at Estee Lauder but soon realized that this path did not fulfill him. His passion for cooking led him to culinary school, and he eventually became a line cook in Los Angeles.1 2 4

Career Path

After 9/11, Bersofsky shifted his focus towards winemaking. He began making wine with friends in his garage after being inspired by a wine course he took at Cornell. This experience ignited his passion for winemaking, leading him to source fruit from various vineyards in cooler climate regions like the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley.1 2 3 In addition to running Montagne Russe, he serves as the CFO for Merryvale Vineyards, which further enhances his understanding of the business side of the wine industry.1 5

Winemaking Philosophy

Bersofsky's approach to winemaking is heavily influenced by his culinary background, allowing him to create distinctive wines that reflect the terroir of the vineyards he works with. He emphasizes creativity and variation in his wines, avoiding a consistent house style to embrace the unique characteristics of each vintage.1 2 3

Current Activities

Today, Montagne Russe Wines is gaining recognition for its quality wines, including single-vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Bersofsky continues to engage with the community through events like wine festivals and tastings at their Healdsburg tasting room.3 4 His commitment to quality and innovation positions him as a rising figure in the California wine scene.