How we started
Pine & Brown was started in 2011 by winemaking industry veteran Tom Rees as a tiny boutique winery on the corner of Pine and Brown streets in Old Town Napa. The winery was capable of making only eight barrels of hand-crafted wine each vintage using fruit sourced from premium vineyard sites in Napa Valley. After nearly a decade, Tom decided in 2020 to move on and sold the brand to Neil Koch and Michael Hutchinson who have a created a unique vision for the Pine and Brown wines moving forward.
pine & brown statement
We thrive in making fine wines that enrich the soul.
Team
HEAD WINEMAKER/Partner
Winemaker Bio – Neil M Koch
Neil Koch has extensive history in the wine industry, with a diverse and wide-ranging industry background. He grew up in the Napa Valley, and before attending Fresno State for Enology and Viticulture, Neil interned under famed international wine consultant Philip Melka at Seavey Vineyards, Vineyard 29 and Bryant Family Vineyards in the Napa Valley. After gaining a foothold in the Napa Valley, Neil was hired as part of the winemaking team at Lewis Cellars in Napa. He helped craft multiple 90+ point Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay over 3 vintages.
NATIONAL SALES/Partner
Michael Hutchinson
Michael Hutchinson’s career has spanned over the last three decades with establishing deep roots with industry leaders such as Opus One, Clicquot Inc, Niebaum Coppola. “
The Pine and Brown project is something I’ve been thinking about for years and it’s my most exciting project thus far. I’m honored and delighted to partner with Neil and work with such talented winemakers.”