Michael Larrañaga - Trevi Hills Winery

A Certified Sommelier with the French Court of Master Sommeliers, he has worked the vineyards of Napa, Sonoma, Central Coast and Italy both as a Sommelier and a Vintner.

Along with the wine aspect, Michael has spent his last fifteen years creating unique concepts for some of the most eclectic restaurants and wine lists in Michigan, Chicago, and New York.

He has returned to his native San Diego to plant roots and vines while overseeing all aspects of the Winery Operations at Trevi Hills Winery and creating one of the best “go-to’ secrets in San Diego County.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Both parents were raised in Pacific Beach and attended Mission Bay High School. My Father ran the marketing dept. for The Union-Tribune.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Majored in Structural Engineering and Architecture, worked in the vineyards since the age of seventeen, Owner of Vintek Cellars, a private cellar management and design company, and restaurant consulting and design. The most interesting part of the job is the opportunity to travel, work with new chefs and menus, and educate the public at wine dinners and events.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Take time to stop and smell the bouquet, live life, and try everything with an open mind.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Surf in the morning, tend vines in the afternoon, and surf at sunset.	.
COMMUNITY
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Luce’s Bar & Kitchen in Bay Park, Blue Water Seafood, Cowboy Star Steakhouse – Downtown
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
All of my life	.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Ted Geisel aka. Dr. Suess
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community? Gordon & Smith Surfboards – Friends of the family, grew up and learned to surf with the family

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The beach community- and being the smallest big city.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Mike Grgich- Napa Winemaker. The last of the old-school Napa creators who knows where all the bodies are buried. I would share a bench at Roberto’s
OTHER/FUN QUESTIONS
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Bottle Shock
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
It’s a secret.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My family and my close friends.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Father
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Live, Life, and Love