Phillip D. Pinckney (Phil) joined Kysela Père et Fils, LTD. in 2011, however his interest in wine dates back to 1979 when, as an exchange student living in Germany, he was introduced to Riesling (among other beverages) by his host family. A trip to the Rheingau also piqued his interest in grape growing, so upon returning home he began reading everything he could find on viticulture and winemaking. Almost thirty years later he planted a backyard vineyard, and vinted his first wine, a 2008 Cabernet Franc, which ultimately won a bronze medal at the 2012 WineMaker Magazine International Amateur Wine Competition.
Phil is a Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), an avid sailor, and private pilot. When not exploring the world of wine, he also enjoys travel, reading, and gardening.