Growing up in his father's and grandfather's vineyards, Michael Martini got a hands-on education in the art of crafting world-class wines. His formal study of viticulture began in the world-renowned winemaking program at the University of California, Davis. After graduation, Mike worked alongside his father, Louis P. Martini, before taking the reins as winemaker of Louis M. Martini Winery in 1977.

Under his father's tutelage, Mike developed his own winemaking style, bringing balance and a rich texture to the family's Cabernet Sauvignon blends. In 1981, he traveled throughout France with legendary California winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff to explore artisan winemaking techniques in Bordeaux and Burgundy. Much of what Mike learned in France has been applied in Cellar 254, the micro-winery that lies steps from his office in St. Helena. Here, Mike and his team of winemakers make small lots of hand-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mike shares his grandfather's passion for the Napa Valley region and is a past president of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, an organization that his grandfather Louis M. Martini helped establish in 1943.