Kru Consulting

Viticulture & Winemaking

Elevate your brand, or your next vintage

With over 27 years of experience in viticulture and winemaking, Michael brings extensive knowledge, expertise and passion to the art of crafting fine wines. He is the founder and winemaker for Chateau Margene overseeing the production of the estate vineyard’s wines, including the highly rated Beau Melange, CASK 4 and CASK 7. He is also the winemaker for Mooney Family, with a focus on Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills and Rhone varietals from Paso Robles, as well as, ROXO and their Port-Style wines).

Vineyard Evaluation

Matching the site with your goals. Are you searching for land to establish a vineyard? Do you own land and are considering planting a vineyard? Do you own a vineyard and are looking to improve your program and the quality of your grapes?

Winemaking

We specialize in small production, handcrafted luxury wines. Are you starting a wine program or wanting to take your existing program to the next level?

The best wines are produced by blending both science and art. We offer a unique, old world perspective combining both creativity and technical expertise to every wine. Let me help you create exceptional wines that reflect the style and vision you have for your brand.

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Program Development

Explore your options with strategic insights and custom tailored solutions to establish a new wine program or elevate your existing one.

Services

Whether you are starting a new project or looking to elevate an existing program, Kru Consulting offers viticulture and winemaking services to take you from bud break to bottle. It takes many years to understand all the elements that go into reliably and consistently producing exceptional wines. We bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from 27 years of viticulture and winemaking with grapes from the Paso Robles, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills AVA’s.

Vineyard Development

  • Site evaluation

  • Specific varietals for your unique site

    • Soil analysis, clonal selections

  • Labor management options

  • Implement organic and sustainable practices

    • Nutrients, mildew sprays, pest management, weed abatement

  • Pruning, canopy management, yield targets, water management

  • Pre-harvest sampling

Winemaking

  • Determining harvest date(s)

  • Recommending wine processing equipment

  • Yeast and nutritional requirements during fermentation

  • Barrel selection (planning and sourcing)

  • Barrel ageing

  • Lab analysis

  • Topping and racking procedures

  • Sourcing of bottles, tins, corks

  • Bottling date logistics

Profile

Michael J. Mooney

Proprietor/Winemaker - Chateau Margene, Mooney Family, ROXO & El Pistolero

27 Years Crafting Critically Acclaimed Wines

The Expertise

  • Viticulture & Winemaking Veteran with 27 harvests of hands-on experience across the Central Coasts premier regions.

  • Award-Winning Craft: Dozens of wines rated 94–99 points by Wine Enthusiast, SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine.

  • Precision, innovation, and results-driven strategies.

The Philosophy

“Great wine is born in the vineyard, perfected in the cellar, and proven in the glass. My approach? No shortcuts—just focused strategies, instinct, and relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Signature Achievements

  • Consistently produced 94+ Point Wines: A proven track record of crafting exceptional wines in the top tier of critically acclaimed California wineries.

  • Industry Recognition: Past board member of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.  Founding board member of the Paso Robles CAB Collective. Founding member of the Back Roads of Paso Robles.  Founder of the Creston Wine Trail.

  • Paso Robles Influence: Instrumental in elevating the region’s reputation through bold, terroir-driven winemaking.

Why Choose Kru Consulting?

  • Strategy-Driven Results: A portfolio of wines that have consistently rated in the mid to high 90’s.

  • From Soil to Shelf: Expertise spanning vineyard management, fermentation science, blending, and brand positioning.

  • Programmed Approach: Strategies that result in a wine program with stylistic consistency.

  • One of Paso Robles Winemaking Pioneers: Founded the 32nd winery in Paso Robles in 1997.

  • The Tasting Panel Magazine:  “Chateau Margene may not be a big player, but it’s outreach in championing the region is significant” January/February 2024

  • Proven Track Record: Back to back 98 & 99 point scores with the Chateau Margene 2019 & 2020 CASK 4 (SOMM Journal & The Tasting Panel Magazine)

Contact Us

Please provide a brief description of your project and the anticipated timeline. We will respond to you promptly!