Michael Barreto got hooked on wine by making his first barrel at home in 1999. After taking courses at CSU Fresno and UC Davis, Michael and his wife Joey moved to California’s central coast. His first winery job
was in 2001, where he quickly progressed from a cellar position into the laboratory. In 2003, Michael started at Le Vigne Winery as Assistant Winemaker, the same year he met Chris Behr. Chris was searching for someone to make wine from his first harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon.
After tasting the wine, they both realized that it was the start of
something special.
Seventeen years later, Michael and Joey have partnered with Chris
and Linda Behr to create exciting, award-winning wines from the Oso
Libre Vineyard in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. One of Michael’s favorites is Por Vida, a blend of Oso Libre estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo and Mourvedre. Michael’s strong background in Agricultural Business has helped with all aspects of winemaking. He
says “There are many facets to being a winemaker, from walking the vineyard to interacting with customers in the tasting room.
Oso Libre Winery invites you to join Michael and Joey Barreto on a
voyage up France’s beautiful Rhone River Valley from Provence to Burgundy. Vineyards and towns along the Rhone and Saone rivers date back to the time of the Romans. The impressive architecture and art of the Romans is visible in every port on this interesting itinerary. We
hope that you will join us on this adventure through two of the world’s greatest wine producing areas!