Our Story

With over 30 harvests under his belt, Chris Millard has mastered the craft of winemaking. The first few decades were spent learning essential skills at prestigious properties, including Bernardus, Sterling Vineyards, and Newton Vineyards. The last decade afforded him the opportunity to work for one of the largest global wine companies. As the head of winemaking and viticulture, he oversaw iconic and legendary brands such as Robert Mondavi Winery, Prisoner Wine Company, To Kalon Wine Company, Booker Vineyard, Ruffino, and Kim Crawford. Lost Sierra Wine Co. marks a return to the inspiration of his early days: handcrafting wines with passion.

Chris hails from Monterey, California, where his family settled after traveling across the US and South America for his father’s military career. Chris spent much of his youth on two wheels, racing and repairing bicycles, which led to one summer in southern France as a bicycle mechanic. Here, amid rolling vineyards and rustic chateaux, he discovered a passion for wine that would alter the course of his life. He was off to the races.

With the Lost Sierra Wine Co., Chris is bringing his love and passion for winegrowing into his own hands to craft meaningful wines that are the culmination of his decades of grape growing, winemaking and global industry experience. He and Christina, inspired by this region, strive to  create wines that celebrate life’s adventures.

Christina has long played a crucial role alongside Chris, supporting him throughout his career. Her extensive hospitality background, combined with a passion for food, wine, and family, ensures the smooth operation of the wine company.

Christina was born and raised in Monterey, growing up at the lively table of a large Italian family immersed in the culture and lore of Cannery Row. Christina and Chris were high school sweethearts and raised two children while navigating their own careers. Christina worked in hospitality, before becoming a dietitian, and later transitioning to sales in women’s fashion. Christina has always been an integral part of Chris’ winemaking journey, partnering with him by participating in the many winemaking, blending, and PR activities over the years.

As a co-founder of Lost Sierra Wine Co., she oversees finance and is known by the rest of the family as the “C-F-NO.”  In addition, she leads the company’s hospitality and customer experience efforts.  When she’s not supporting her family, you’ll find her making Sunday family dinners, cheering on the Niners, or hiking with the dogs.

Chris and Christina’s children, Aaron Millard, and Katherine Graff, grew up in the wine industry following their father’s career through iconic vineyard sites and wineries throughout California. Aaron has also pursued a career in the wine industry, focused on marketing and brand building for the likes of Foley Family Wines and Jackson Family Wines, while Katherine fell in love with the fashion and design industry and currently works for one of the largest lifestyle and home goods companies. Today they both share their talents in the family wine company from grape to bottle.