Kris Curran

Winemaker/Owner, D'Alfonso-Curran Wines

B.S. Animal Science (1994)

B.S. Enology (1996)

Started three new wineries during her career, including Koehler Winery, Seasmoke Cellars and D'Alfonso-Curran Wines, with husband Bruno D'Alfonso, a Cal Poly graduate in soil science.
One of the early advocates and producers of Spanish varietals in California, producing highly sought after Grenache Blanc and Tempranillo.
Earned a reputation as a top Pinot Noir producer in California, while catapulting Sea Smoke Cellars to "cult" Pinot Noir status.
Voted one of the "Winemakers of the Year" by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2005 and "Top 100 Wines" four years in a row in Wine Spectator.
Discovered a small planting of Grenache Gris (another Spanish varietal) in Northern California. Currently at only four acres producing in the United States, she is looking to expand this varietal in California.

Notable CSU Alumni in agriculture