Scott Chafen knows the meaning of sweat equity. Since Dutch Henry opened its doors in 1992, Scott has worn many hats: winemaker, cellar rat, sales guy, office manager, landscape architect, delivery boy, forklift extraordinaire, customer service rep… ah, the myriad opportunities in family business.

Scott became passionate about wine while growing up in his native San Francisco where his family's entertaining style was centered around cooking and wine. He spent summers in his family's Napa Valley vineyards and worked in the cellar at Vincent Arroyo Winery. In 1990, after obtaining his B.A. in Philosphy from Occidental College, Scott participated in the planning of the winery and enthusiastically jumped into winemaking. Scott has had a hand in every vintage of Dutch Henry wine sinces its inception.

Scott prides himself on being a wine "grower" rather than a wine "maker," reflecting his personal philosophy that wines are made in the vineyard, not the cellar. Scott regularly finds time to hike through the vineyards. "Winemaking truly begins in the vineyard. That's where all the secrets are..."

Scott lives in St. Helena with his airedale terriers, Buggsy, Minnie and Sadie. In his few and precious moments to spare, Scott enjoys gardening, cooking, backpacking and listening to music.