Our Winemaker

Bruno Corneaux was born in 1963 to a Burgundian family near Beaune (the heart of Burgundy). His father and mother owned a small vineyard and during his years growing up he helped his parents with the vineyard.After high school he went to Dijon and attended the University of Biotechnology and received his diploma as a laboratory technician. He worked in various research and medical laboratoriesfor 10 years. Every year he took his vacations to work, as assistant winemaker, for a friend in his families’ village.

In 1994 he attended the University of Enology in Dijon and received his degree in 1996. His internship was at Chateau de Puligry Montrachet in Burgundy. The same year a renowned wine company in Beaune "Domain Drouhin offered him an internship in Oregon State where they have a vineyard and winery. In 1997 he worked as an assistant winemaker in South Africa . He then became Assistant winemaker with Newton Vineyards in Napa valley for a 10 month internship. After he returned to France he became involved with a French winery project to grow and make wine in the French Polynesia. He planted the first 10 acres and started to produce the first Polynesian wine.

After years of training, internships and experience in many countries, learning varied techniques and honing his abilities, Bruno knew that he wanted to make Premium wine in the United States. When the winemaking position at Claar Cellars became available Bruno knew that it was his opportunity to blend all of his skills with Claar Cellars unique terroir and Estate quality grapes to make one of the best wines in the state.