With the support of his family and fiancée (now wife), Gretchen, Ryan made his way to New Zealand. He immersed himself in study at Lincoln University earning a masters degree in Viticulture and Oenology.
During this time he worked several harvests for Central Otago’s famed Chard Farm
where he constantly bombarded Winemaker John Wallace with a never-ending stream of questions.
Time in Australia’s Hunter Valley provided a good look at hot climate wine production
and an affirmation that cool climate Pinot Noir producing regions was where he needed to be.
And with that the Story of Communique truly begins in the Willamette Valley, home to some of the most famous grape varietals in the world.
