Dave Johnson graduated from Michigan State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He worked five years at Ford Hospital and Research Institute in his native Detroit, before returning to Michigan State in 1975 to pursue a master s degree in the Grape and Wine Program. As Dr. G.S. Howell s research assistant, Dave found himself heavily involved in viticulture research, the operation of Michigan State s pilot winemaking facility and cooperative research works with several Michigan wineries. Making wines from new grape varieties at the university s research center became his No. 1 priority. After obtaining his master s degree in 1978, Dave, upon Dr. Howell s strong recommendation, traveled to Hermann, Missouri, where he became winemaker for Stone Hill Winery. In the past 30 years, Dave s winemaking expertise and penchant for perfection has earned him and Stone Hill Winery the industry s highest accolades. The most awarded American winemaker outside of California, Dave was named Winemaker of the Year in 1994. In 2002, he received Missouri s Pioneer Award for his outstanding service to the state s grape and wine industry. Dave s dedication to his craft is clearly evident in his ability to produce quality award-winning wines consistently year after year. Stone Hill Winery routinely ranks among the top awarded wineries in the nation and has earned five Missouri Governor s Cup awards since 1994. When he s not working, Dave pursues his two favorite hobbies golf and scuba diving with the same tenacity that makes him one of the best winemakers in the country.