Miro Tcholakov

Born and raised in northern Bulgaria, a region with many millennia of winemaking history, winemaker Miro Tcholakov experienced wine and winemaking at a very early age. At his grandfather’s side, he learned how to make wine in the tradition of the generations that came before him. Miro’s early exposure to winemaking, years of study and experience, and passion for the art make him a vital part of the Sonoma County wine industry 

“Making wine has been a lifelong dream of mine. After completing my studies in 1990 at the higher Institute of Agriculture in Bulgaria in Agronomy/Viticulture, I traveled to California on an Exchange program in the wine business. I continued my education by attending Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis, focusing on specific courses in winemaking and management. My internship started at Dry Creek Vineyards in the summer of 1990, and in nine years of employment, I transitioned through the ranks of Cellar Master and Assistant Winemaker. During this time, I fell in love with two distinct California varietals: Zinfandel and especially Petite Sirah,” says Miro. 

“I decided to move on and start my career as a head winemaker, accepting an offer from Trentadue Winery in 1999 to take over their winemaking operation. That new opportunity added to my excitement about Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, two long-standing staple varietals at Trentadue. 

In 2001, I became my own custom crush client by starting my own brand, Miro Cellars. Trentadue wines are almost all Estate-grown. Miro Cellars allows me to encounter and enjoy working with grapes from a broader range of growing conditions, soils, microclimates, and varieties. When selecting the region’s most exciting grapes, I consider each vineyard’s particular geology and seasonal climate variations. I have complete freedom to make precisely the wines I like to enjoy.” 

Miro concludes, “My passionate love affair with Zin and Petite Sirah led to my election to the Board of Directors of ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) and the Board of Directors. I’ve also served as the President of PS (Petite Sirah) I Love you—a nonprofit organization that I helped establish.” 

Caption: Winemaker Miro Tcholakov in 2002 holding a bottle of his first Miro Cellars vintage of 2001 Petite Sirah. Photo by John Burgess, Santa Rosa Press Democrat