About

Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: to craft the most natural and expressive wines California can offer. We believe the truest wines are born when fruit is allowed to speak for itself—unforced, unhindered, and fully revealed. Each vineyard has its own personality, shaped by soil, climate, and history. Our role is to honor that individuality, encouraging terroir to shine while guiding the wine to its most harmonious expression.
As Mike often says, “I try to create the most natural and expressive wines California can offer. I believe in allowing the fruit to fully reveal itself in the wines—encouraging the personality of terroir and essence of origin, while creating a product that is true to its varietal character and sense of place.”
This commitment shapes everything we do at Myriad: wines crafted with authenticity, intention, and respect for where they come from.

History

Mike Smith’s winemaking journey began in 1999 under the mentorship of renowned Winemaker Thomas Brown. Traveling from Portland, Oregon each harvest—working “free of charge” just to learn—Mike immersed himself in the craft, gaining hands-on experience from the cellar floor upward.

In 2005, Mike stepped out on his own, founding Myriad Cellars. What began as a small, passion-driven project in a garage, quickly grew into a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines, celebrated for their purity, depth, and sense of place. Mike  has made a diverse range of critically recognized highly acclaimed wines not only for Myriad, but also previous years with Carter Cellars, Switchback Ridge, Vice Versa Wines, Steltzner Vineyards, Bench Wines, Tamber Bey Vineyards and Ancillary Cellars. 

His current portfolio is highly focussed on the Myriad Cellars and  brands of PerChance Estates, Quivet Cellars, Patiné Cellars, Becklyn Cellars, Scarlett Wines, Kindred Cellars, Komes–Brockoff, and Two Masters Wines.

Across each label, the philosophy remains constant: respect the fruit, honor the vineyard, hands on winemaking and creating wines of balance, authenticity, and expressive fruit driven character. 

"Great wines is made from 100% the winemaker, 100% the vineyard and 100% Mother Nature's mood during harvest" ~ Mike Smith

It is well known that California winemakers produce some of the best wines on Earth, but within that small talented group there is yet a smaller inner circle of winemaking titans that consistently produce truly extraordinary vintages. As one of the Napa Valley’s most decorated vintners, Mike Smith has firmly planted himself in the center of that rare inner circle. An Oregon native, Mike studied under the tutelage of Thomas Rivers Brown and his early career had him contributing at some of the most famous California producers including Schrader, Rivers Marie, Maybach Family, and Outpost. By combining his own innate talent for winemaking with the lessons learned from Thomas, Mike has crafted some of California’s most sought-after and revered wines. Mike crafts a host of spectacular varietals, but his skills shine brightest when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon.

With Thirty-Nine (plus) Perfect 100 point scores,  Thirty-Eight (plus) 99-99+ Point, and Seventy-Six (plus) 98-98+  Point Scores to his name and numerous Top 100 Wines of the world awards, Mike has twice received the most 100-point scores from Wine Advocate in a single vintage, and he has received numerous professional honors from Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck, International Wine Report, The Wine Palate, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. Three of Mike’s wines were chosen for the prestigious “Legends of Napa Valley Definitive Tasting" as well as having three Cabernets receive the very rare 'Triple Hundred Point Score' where the same wine is rated 100 Points by three separate critics. In 2021, Mike broke his own record, receiving a remarkable Quintuple 100 Points (Five x 100 Point Scores) on the 2021 Myriad Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Elysian Cabernet Sauvignon.

His talent of evoking the character and complexity of each vineyard and his refined natural winemaking techniques define some of the world’s greatest vineyards. Mike's hands-on winemaking approach is the heart and soul of the Myriad wines. Every bottle embodies his extreme attention to detail, patience, quiet confidence and vast experience with every one of mother nature’s challenges. His unrelenting commitment to excellence leaves an unmistakable impression on each vintage, and we are delighted to share the fruits of his labor with our members. Myriad Cellars is Mike & Leah Smith personal wine brand.

Randy’s roots run deep in Napa Valley. Raised in St. Helena, he brings not only extensive winemaking and viticulture experience, but also a genuine lifelong connection to the vineyards and community that shape our wines. His precision, curiosity, and intuitive approach to the craft make him a natural fit for Myriad.

Having known Randy since he was eight years old, choosing him as Assistant Winemaker for Myriad was both natural and exciting. He previously worked alongside Mike before pursuing his Enology degree at Fresno State, followed by six years in wine production at Mending Wall Winery in St. Helena. With a résumé that reflects dedication, craftsmanship, and consistent excellence, Randy is exceptionally skilled in creating stunning, expressive, and high-scoring wines. His background and refined palate have already translated into the beautifully structured, high-scoring wines he helps create.

We are nonored to welcome him to the Myriad family—and even more excited for what the future holds.

At the heart of Myriad Cellars is Leah Smith, whose vision, warmth, and leadership shape the experience our members cherish. Leah Smith brings exceptional leadership, hospitality expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Working alongside her husband, Winemaker Mike Smith, Leah plays a pivotal role in shaping the Myriad experience—from allocation and member communications to guest hospitality, brand vision, and daily operations.

Leah’s natural warmth, attention to detail, and deep passion for the Myriad portfolio have made her an indispensable part of the winery. She has keen eye for design, a refined palate, and a genuine love for connecting people with the unforgettable Myriad wines.  She seamlessly blends operational precision with a personalized, high-touch customer experience ensures that every Myriad member feels like part of the family.

Leah and Mike are the foundation of the winery—balancing artistry in the cellar with excellence in hospitality. Together, they have created a brand celebrated not only for world-class wines, but for the heartfelt, family-driven experience that accompanies them.