Joel Peterson is one of the wine industry's best-known figures — and also, one of its most popular. Joel studied biochemistry and microbiology at Oregon State University and became a wine writer and consultant while supporting himself as both a Research Immunologist and Medical Laboratory Scientist. After apprenticing in the art of Old World winemaking with the late Joseph Swan (one of California’s outstanding craftsmen of fine Zinfandel), he founded Ravenswood in 1976. Since then, Joel has shepherded the Sonoma-based winery from a one-man garage operation to the #1 producer of Zinfandel worldwide. Joel is a passionate and friendly Zinfandel ambassador and was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame in 2011.