In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Christopher Strieter, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Senses Wines.
Christopher focuses on strategic planning and business development for Senses Wines. He oversees day-to-day operations, including global distribution, wholesale and direct sales, while also leading and managing the team. As a founder of Senses, Christopher has fulfilled his dream of launching a business paired with his love for science, art, and people.
Prior to forming a partnership with childhood friends Max and Myles in 2011, Christopher served as business manager for the noteworthy Russian River Pinot Noir producer Williams-Selyem. Earlier in his career, Christopher worked closely with Jess Jackson at Jackson Family Wines in business-planning and corporate strategy followed by a harvest at Red Car Winery. He later joined VinFillment as operations manager overseeing product launches, a vast warehouse and fulfillment, and most recently managed sales for Uproot Wines. He also founded a restaurant called Duchess (now closed) in the Bay Area and briefly worked on self-driving car at Cruise Automation (GM).
In addition to Senses, Christopher has served on the boards of the California Wine Institute, West Sonoma Coast Vintners, Russian River Valley Winegrowers, and directed non-profit work at Rebuild Wine Country after the devastating 2017 wildfires. He also served as chair for the Harvey Mudd Alumni Association, a member of Claremont Mckenna’s Alumni Association, and mentors participants in the Harvey Mudd Incubator, HMC INQ. His interests in space exploration, renewable energies and artificial intelligence keep him busy when he’s not thinking about wine. Christopher has been recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast’s “40 under 40,” at just 30 years old in the class of 2018, Diablo Magazine’s “40 Under 40,” class of 2017, as well as one of Wine Folly’s “Coolest Wine People to Follow.”
He graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a Master of Arts in Finance and received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics and Physics from Harvey Mudd College.
The Story of the Brand:
Senses Wines is the vision of three childhood friends—Christopher Strieter, Max Thieriot, and Myles Lawrence-Briggs—who partnered with renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to craft world-class wines from vineyards planted by their families. Founded in 2011, Senses has grown to include prestigious vineyard sites across Northern California. The estate vineyards are located in the West Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley regions of Sonoma County, specifically near Occidental, where the three founders grew up. Senses specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Although their families had deep roots in wine country, each of the three founders initially followed a different path. Chris was studying English and pre-law but felt unsure about continuing to law school. Around that time, he became acquainted with Jess Jackson of Jackson Family Wines, which sparked his passion for the wine industry.
While visiting Australia with Myles and his family, Chris and Myles had the idea to take over Hillcrest Vineyard—owned by Myles’s parents and recognized as the first vineyard site on the Sonoma Coast—and start making wine. Chris even drafted a business plan to raise several million dollars to plant 100 acres and build a winery, though the plan never came to fruition.
Later, Chris and Max reconnected and discovered they both had an interest in starting a wine brand. Max’s parents had planted the Thieriot Vineyard in the late 1980s. The three friends joined forces, pooled their savings to purchase grapes, and produced 100 cases of wine in 2011—the debut vintage of Senses Wines.
At just 22 years old, they divided responsibilities according to their strengths: Chris led business development and operations, Myles oversaw farming and production, and Max directed marketing and branding. Today, Senses Wines produces several thousand cases annually, continuing to grow while remaining grounded in their shared hometown roots and collaborative spirit.
And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!
