About the Winemaker

Ballatore winemaker Joseph Ibrahim grew up in the lower Hudson Valley of NY. His first foray with winemaking began by experimenting with fermentation with an at-home winemaking kit that was a gift from his parents. While earning his degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont, he spent time at a small winery near Lake Champlain where he learned viticulture hands on. After graduation, he accepted a position at a winery in Washington State as an Enologist working closely with the Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine Program. It was here that he developed his palate and interest in sparkling wine.

Opportunity brought Joe to California where he started working on Ballatore. Ballatore is a reflection of what Joe enjoys in a sparkling wine – clean, delicate, with abundant fruit and floral expression with interesting points of sophistication.

Joe currently resides in the Central Valley, where he enjoys hanging out with his dog, boating, snowboarding, outdoor activities and catching up with friends and family.