John S. Dyson

Biography

 John S. Dyson is a pioneer in the global wine industry, an innovator in site-specific planting, and extensive vineyard research. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery belongs to Pebble Ridge Vineyards & Wine Estates, a wine group John and Kathe Dyson created that is devoted to producing the very finest wines of their particular growing regions. In addition to Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, the group’s other highly regarded properties include: Vista Verde Vineyards, also known as Pebble Ridge Vineyards, in the North Central Coast, California; Villa Pillo Estate in Tuscany, Italy, which was purchased in 1989 and launched its first wines in the United States in 1997 to excellent review; and Williams Selyem, the prestigious Russian River Valley winery that is arguably the top producer of Pinot Noir in the United States.   John met Kathe in Washington, DC while they were both working there. Their first investment in the wine world began in 1979 in John’s hometown of Millbrook, NY as they began to convert an old dairy farm into Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. He initiated viticultural experiments using several varieties, rootstocks and trellising techniques, and proved that world-class vinifera wines could be produced in the Hudson River Valley. Millbrook’s first commercial vintage was produced in 1985, and the 2005 vintage wines represent our 20th anniversary. From that one acre to over one thousand (mostly in California) John and Kathe, along with their partners, have built a successful business. They also own and operate a small winery in Tuscany, Villa Pillo, which has been restored to its glory with careful replanting of vineyards and restoration of the wine cellars. In 1998, they also purchased Williams Selyem, renowned for their world-class Pinot Noir.  

Research Interest

Food technology, Distillery techniques