Our People
John Grochau, Founder and Head Winemaker
GC Wines Founder John Grochau made his way to wine organically, starting first in fine dining restaurants in Portland, namely the legendary Higgins, and learning to make wine under the guidance of Willamette Valley greats.
In 2002, he founded Grochau Cellars, his eponymous wine label, where he could explore the production of food-friendly wines reminiscent of place. More than twenty years later, John has become well known in the Oregon wine industry as a friend, compatriot and community builder.
He has lent his expertise to countless winemaking endeavors and prioritized strong relationships with growers across the state. After reflecting on more than two decades in the business, he shortened the name to GC Wines to reflect the brand’s evolution from one person’s dream to a dream realized and a much bigger family.
Sara Stockwell, Director of Sales
Sara is a multi-faceted certified sommelier who has dedicated much of her professional life advancing her knowledge of wine.
From production to sales, she enjoys the constant growth she gains working within the Oregon wine community. Originally from North Florida, Sara obtained a degree in International Affairs at Florida State University. Having been immersed in Southern food culture, she discovered that the hospitality industry allowed her to deepen her passion for food, wine, connection, and community.
During her first visit to Oregon, she fell in love with the stunning landscapes and hospitable warmth of the Oregon wine industry. The rest is history.
Colin Howard, Associate Winemaker
Colin first worked in vineyards in Maryland, and after several years in cellars there he moved to Oregon to pursue fine wine. His first Oregon harvest was at the Carlton Winemaker's Studio in 2006.
Colin has worked with many wineries in the Willamette Valley, including Erath, J. Christopher and Day Wines, and he worked in spirits production as Head Distiller for Westward Distillery. In his spare time, he races bikes. John and Colin often go on rides together and both believe in team-oriented winemaking.
Colin returned to winemaking after helming Oso Market + Bar in Portland for a few years, and his passion for craft has led him back to the place it all began: the wine cellar. Colin believes wine is a beautiful and simple celebration of our relationship with nature, and that the best wines are evocative of their region and terroir. He loves making classic Willamette Valley wines as well as expanding beyond the expected, and produces Spanish varietals under his own label, Mendivia.
Brian Matulis, Cellar Lead
Connecticut raised and California aged, Brian took the scenic route to wine making. Originally it was his love of nature and adventure that brought him to California, but when he was bartending at Boulder Creek Brewing Company, they needed help in the brewery and his interest in fermentation soon became his passion. Working in fine dining in the Bay Area and continuously learning more, Brian was introduced to the world of wine, and especially loved New World Pinot Noir.
His quest for knowledge about the cultivars and terroir of wine led Brian to become a Certified Sommelier, and a Certified Specialist of Wine. He built wine lists and slung cocktails for years, and co-founded Timber and Salt, a cocktail bar in Redwood City, CA. In 2022, he stepped away from service to pursue wine full time. He worked his first harvest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but in 2023 he worked a harvest in the Willamette Valley and fell in love. Quickly calling Oregon home, Brian found GC earlier this year and found his perfect match.
Miss Olive, Head of Operations
A loyal friend and our resident morale-booster. Olive loves to play catch, receive endless pets and win the adoration of all visitors. She is also our head of winery operations*
*Sitting around and looking cute.