Erik Miller (Kokomo, IN) has always had a westward ambition to make wines. After graduating from Purdue University in 1999, he set his sights on Sonoma County in order to pursue his dreams. "I traded in the soybeans and cornfields for the brighter skies, rolling hills and vineyards", Erik said. "With my Midwesten values, I approached the new territory with a promise to always treat the farmers and business the same - with respect."

Erik had his first opportunity to make an impression as a wine professional while working crush at Belvedere Winery in the Russian River Valley. Starting at ground level as a cellar worker, there was an immediate connection to the industry. After working that first harvest, Erik decided to enroll at U.C. Davis to study enology and learn from the best in the field. During the time he was attending classes, he met Rick Hutchinson, owner and winemaker of Amphora Winery, and was offered a full-time cellar worker position.

While handling his duties in the cellar, Erik began Kokomo Winery with a 2004 single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley. In naming his new venture, the winemaker decided to pay homage to his Indiana hometown. In 2005 Erik brought on his best friend and college roommate, Josh Bartels, to assist with the new winery's second vintage. With Josh on board, the two upped production and increased the product line. After the 2006 harvest, Kokomo Winery moved into its own facility at Timber Crest Farms in Dry Creek Valley.

Josh Bartels (Carmel, Indiana) first met Erik Miller while studying at Purdue University. The two ended up being roommates while there and graduated a year apart with the same degree. It was during these formative years in academia that Josh started developing a palate for the "finer tastes" in life. While experimenting with different business ventures, he worked part-time at a local wine shop in Indianapolis and his passion and knowledge of fine wines began to bloom.

One summer day in 2005, Josh got a call from his best buddy Erik in California who wanted him to come out to Sonoma County to work harvest with him at Amphora Winery. Unable to pass up this incredible opportunity to work in a boutique winery, Josh was immediately bitten by the wine bug.

Erik was persistent in wanting Josh to move to Sonoma County to assist him in creating incredible wines. All Josh had to do was to convince his wife to relocate 2000 miles! Josh absorbed as much knowledge as possible from the ground-up while working hand in hand with fellow "cellar dogs" Rick and Erik. When Kokomo Winery moved into their own facility after the 2006 harvest, they put all of their focus into creating ultra-premium wines.