Philippe Melka spent much of his youth in Bordeaux and went on to attend the University of Bordeaux where he earned a geology degree. On a whim, he took a wine course in his final year of study; a decision that became a pivotal move in his life.  He joined Chateau Haut-Brion and developed a passion for Cabernet-based blends and Sauvignon Blanc. While there, he completed a master’s program in Agronomy and Enology under the direction of Professor Sequin, the renowned terroir specialist.

Yearning to know more, Philippe traveled the world’s best regions to study soil and make wine in Napa Valley at Dominus Estate, Western Australia’s Chittering Estate, Badia O Coltibuono in Chianti and in Bordeaux at Chateau Petrus.  This experience enabled him to hone his craft and study under such luminaries as Jean Delmas from Haut-Brion, Christian Moueix and Jean Claude Berrouet from Petrus, and Paul Draper from Ridge.  

Now, as one of the world’s top nine wine consultants (named by Robert Parker), Philippe continues his devotion to winemaking as co-proprietor of Melka Wines with wife Cherie and as consulting winemaker to some of wine’s most acclaimed estates in Napa Valley.