About Us

Eric Baugher Former Winemaker at Ridge Monte Bello and Merus Winery of St. Helena. Now wine consulting and Co-Proprietor of Deaurātus Wine:

Raised in Santa Cruz, around agriculture and surf, Eric attended University of California-Santa Cruz to pursue studies in biochemistry and molecular biology. This multi-disciplined major covered organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and biology. He spent considerable time in the laboratory fulfilling graduation requirements. It was there that Eric developed a love for science and passion of analytical chemistry and molecular biology.  Upon graduation, he took a chemistry position at a small winery that had laboratory equipped for high-level analysis. That opened his eyes to the world of wine and the interconnectedness of nature and science. That chemist position blossomed into a full-fledged career in the wine industry, where Eric spent twenty-seven years working with some of the most talented professionals in the industry. To gain additional experience and apply his working knowledge of winemaking, brand building, and winery infrastructure renovation, Eric moved to Napa Valley to lead the restoration of a winery and vineyard that was damaged by the wildfires of 2020. With that project complete, he is now excited to provide his expertise to other wineries.

Shun was born in Kagoshima, Japan’s largest Shochu (a distilled liquor) production district. He started his career at a small family-owned distillery as a cellar hand. Shun’s keen interest in the art and science of alcohol fermentation and distillation led him to move to the US and study in California’s fastest-growing wine production region. 

In 2003, Shun graduated with a BSc in viticulture & enology from the University of California, Davis. Afterward, he began working at a sake brewing company to study other forms and styles of alcohol fermentation. In 2006, Shun started his wine-making career at a custom crush facility, where he learned about large-scale wine production.

In 2008, he challenged himself to learn about natural wine fermentation. Shun took a job as a cellar worker, enologist, and associate winemaker at Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, where he worked with world-renowned winemakers and viticulturists. After 13 seasons at Ridge, Shun moved to Napa Valley and perfected his skills while working as a winemaker at the Kuleto Estate and Foley Johnson Winery. 

In 2023, Shun decided to share his international knowledge and experience as a consultanting winemaker with others in his field.