My Story

Cindy’s story started in 2004, when she began working at Chateau St. Jean in the California wine country. After taking enology courses at Napa Valley College, she decided to pursue a winemaking career. She joined  Crush Pad in San Francisco as a lab manager in 2007. Cindy established her own label — Passaggio — the following year, with 50 cases of Unoaked Chardonnay, her flagship wine. Soon, she was leading Crush Pad’s white wine program.

In 2014, Passaggio’s dedicated tasting room opened on Sonoma Square. In 2016, Cindy launched her own production facility and her output soared. Today the label’s annual production of 900 cases is split between sparkling, whites and reds, sourced from various vineyards.  Cindy takes great pride in her craft, assessing each vineyard and choosing the optimal time to harvest the grapes. She works hands-on throughout the entire process, from pressing to vinification to bottling. “Winemaking is all about taking the fruit you are given and bringing out its very best. I love making different varieties that people rarely hear about or have tasted. That’s what’s fun.”

Cindy’s vision encompasses a great deal more than the production of outstanding wine. “Wine is a passion of mine,” Cindy says. “I grew up watching my grandfather make wine. I remember incredible dinners around the table with family, food and wine.” It’s no surprise that her wines are lighter in style and made to pair with food.  And it's no surprise that her career as a wine maker is still on the rise.

Cheers to my friends and family!!

Cindy