Team
Mark Beringer
Director of Winemaking
Mark Beringer, great-great-grandson of Beringer Vineyards' founding brother Jacob Beringer, was immersed in wine from the moment he was born in the heart of the Napa Valley. As the direct descendant to Beringer's first winemaker and one of the most iconic family names in Napa Valley wine history, he knew from a young age that he would follow in the footsteps of his ancestors.
Eager to immerse himself in winemaking after receiving an Enology degree from California State University in Fresno, he spent a year in the cellars at Benziger in Sonoma and then joined Duckhorn in 1992. Mark began as Enologist and worked his way up to Vice President of Winemaking at Duckhorn. In 2009 Mark joined Artesa as Vice President and Winemaker.
In 2015, Mark Beringer returned to his namesake Beringer Vineyards, joining as Chief Winemaker and following in the footsteps of acclaimed Winemaker Emeritus Laurie Hook.
Now, he is bringing years of winemaking expertise and experience to Phantom Creek Estates. Mark is a proud father to three daughters, and in his spare time enjoys mountain biking and skiing, as well as traveling with his wife who works as a commercial pilot.
Olivier Humbrecht MW
Consulting Winemaker
Olivier Humbrecht is a distinguished figure in the world of wine, notably for his role as the proprietor and winemaker at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. The winery, located in Alsace, France, has a storied history dating back to 1620 and has been a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in the region. Olivier Humbrecht himself is highly respected for his expertise and dedication to producing expressive, terroir-driven wines. He is also France’s first Master of Wine.
Olivier Humbrecht initiated his winery’s transition to organic and biodynamic practices in 1997. He is now the President of Biodyvin, a prestigious biodynamic certifying body based in Europe. Olivier Humbrecht's philosophy centers around the idea that the work done in the vineyard is paramount to the success of the wine, and his passion for Alsace's diverse terroirs shines through in every bottle that the Domaine produces.
As a consultant, Olivier infuses our wines with a unique blend of traditional Alsatian techniques and modern sustainable practices. This synthesis of knowledge and tradition from world-renowned wine regions significantly contributes to the distinct identity and quality of Phantom Creek Estates' wines.
Mike Anderson
Director of Farming
Michael, a native of the South Okanagan, discovered his passion for winemaking during his university years. With a B.Sc. under his belt, he delved deeper into the field, earning a Master of Science from the UBC Wine Research Center, and specializing in viticulture at the University of Washington. Over his 17-vintage career, Michael honed his skills in vineyards and cellars, leaving his mark at renowned establishments like Jackson Triggs Winery, Nk'Mip Cellars, and Stags Hollow.
His journey extended globally, from New Zealand's Marlborough Valley to Napa Valley, where he sourced ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon from renowned Stagecoach & Beckstoffer vineyards, for a Vancouver-based venture. As the head winemaker and General Manager at Montalvino Wineries Group, working closely with Bordeaux-trained Viticulture consultant Pascal Madevon, Michael managed various projects. His expertise further flourished as the Viticulturist and Winemaker at Liber Estates where he again had the pleasure of working with Pascal, leading Organic Farming Operations in Osoyoos.
Michael's unique role as both a winemaker and viticulturist grant him a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between cultivating top-tier grapes and crafting world-class wines. Having explored wine regions worldwide, his heart remains rooted in the untapped potential of wines emerging from his beloved South Okanagan valley.
Luke MacKinnon
Winemaker
Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Luke MacKinnon's journey into winemaking is a blend of artistic passion and international expertise. His winemaking odyssey began at Niagara College in 2012, followed by a Masters of Enology and Viticulture from Montpellier SupAgro and Hochschule Geisenheim University in 2020.
Luke's hands-on experience spans roles as a vineyard worker, cellar hand, and cellar master. He's lent his skills to renowned vineyards worldwide, including collaborations with Jean and Alex Foillard in Beaujolais, Two Hands Wines in Barossa, Flowers Winery in California, and Esk Valley in Hawkes Bay.
Since 2021, Luke has been the winemaker at Phantom Creek, contributing his expertise to our distinctive wines. With 18 harvests already completed, Luke MacKinnon continues to infuse each vintage with his unique blend of artistry and international insight.
