The Collaborators

Michael Kennedy created the Vin Fraîche Wine Group in 2018, after launching three distinct wineries in Napa Valley, Bordeaux and Oregon. In 2020 an additional winery was acquired to the group in Tuscany, Italy. Kennedy's drive to create wines of freshness, vibrancy and life has created a thread of commonality in the wines throughout the brands. His passion for wines that are complex, long lived and built for food has driven him to assemble a team of winemakers and friends that help create wines of substance. In 2017, Kennedy was named to Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list for his work in the wine industry. He has been called a “Rising Star” by Food & Wine Magazine, “Super-Somm” by Bloomberg’s Elin McCoy and a “Top Young Entrepreneur in America” by Business Insider. He splits his time between Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Tuscany and his hometown, St. Louis. He and his beautiful wife Rachel have two sons.

Marc’s resume & accolades as a winemaker are too long to write, but it includes many 100 point wines, roles including Head Winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard and Assistant Winemaker at Screaming Eagle, and currently Director of Winemaking for Caldwell Vineyard in Coombsville, among other projects. Although his winemaking resume is grand, his personality and skills are far beyond. Kennedy describes Marc as a brilliant combination of artist & scientist. Gagnon leads the winemaking strategy and oversees all portfolio winemaking & production in collaboration with Kennedy. Gagnon has been described as “utterly brilliant” by Antonio Galloni, the famed wine critic and founder of Vinous. With Marc leading international winemaking efforts, the portfolio is stronger than it has ever been. Marc lives in Napa & travels to each site as needed.

Charles worked with Michael for 5 years on the development of State of Mind Wines before moving into the role of Brand Manager. His love for the story behind great wines began while working in retail wine in Cleveland, OH. Before coming to Vin Fraîche, Charles also managed one of Missouri’s top wine destinations as Sommelier and Wine Director. His passion for creating beautiful things is not a surprise to those that know Charles well - as he is also an accomplished concert trumpeter, having played with some of the best classical musicians in the country. Charles is also involved with winemaking operations, sales and anything the Vin Fraîche team needs! Charles’ attention to detail drives excellence in the organization and allows for us to be better each vintage.

Growing up in Southern Illinois, Daniel attended the University of Illinois and after graduating moved to Chicago where he worked in retail wine (where he first met Michael). In 2017 Dan dove into the production side and has now helped make eight vintages of wines around the world: Chicago, California twice, Oregon twice, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa for some incredible wineries and winemakers like Heidi Barrett, Maggie Harrison, Ehren Jordan and more. Dan's wine knowledge runs deep, adding to our tasting room experience. When Daniel isn't hosting in Napa he can be found reading, completing NYT crosswords or fishing in Alaska.