Bold, full-bodied, dark fruit and toasted oak notes with a velvety finish; pairs well with steak or ribs.
MEET OUR WINEMAKER
Over 40 years in the Livermore Valley, from cellar master to the winemaker behind McGrail’s award-winning Cabernet.
Mark Clarin
For more than four decades, Mark Clarin has helped shape the wines, and the winemaking community, of the Livermore Valley. Brilliant yet completely down to earth, Mark is a gifted winemaker, singer, guitarist and unmistakable local personality. Behind his quick wit and larger-than-life presence is a genuinely kind soul who believes that great wine, like a great song, requires patience, intuition and knowing when to let each element speak for itself.
Mark grew up in Livermore and initially worked in construction before finding his calling in wine. At just 20 years old, he began his winemaking career with the Wente family in 1979. He learned the craft from the ground up, working hands-on in the cellar and absorbing every aspect of the winemaking process. His talent, dedication and natural curiosity led to his promotion to Cellarmaster in 1989.
Determined to continue building his knowledge, Mark pursued coursework in viticulture and enology at UC Davis and became a professional member of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture. He also traveled throughout Europe, visiting renowned châteaux and wineries in Bordeaux and Burgundy and deepening his understanding of the traditions behind some of the world’s most celebrated wines.
Throughout his career, Mark has worked alongside winemakers from California, Chile, Germany and France. As winemaker for Tamas Estates, he developed extensive experience with Italian grape varieties. In 2004, he joined Randall Graham at Bonny Doon Vineyard, where he worked with Rhône and Italian varieties and contributed to the relocation of Pacific Rim’s Riesling program to Eastern Washington.
Ultimately, Mark’s love of Bordeaux wines brought him home to the Livermore Valley. He began consulting with the McGrail family before the 2006 harvest and became McGrail Vineyards’ winemaker in 2009. Since then, he has helped establish McGrail as one of the region’s leading producers of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon while expanding the portfolio to include Bordeaux varieties, elegant white wines, rosé and distinctive small-lot blends.
Less is more. Start with good grapes and don’t mess it up.
— Mark Clarin
Celebrating Mark
Mark’s philosophy is grounded in patience, timing and respect for the vineyard. He believes exceptional wine begins with exceptional fruit and that the winemaker’s role is to carefully guide it without getting in its way. His thoughtful, vineyard-driven approach has produced wines with richness, balance and a true sense of place.
Recent recognition for wines crafted under Mark’s leadership includes 98 points and Best of Class at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition for the 2023 Shamus Patrick Red Blend; 94 points from Wine Enthusiast for the 2020 Centennial Cabernet Sauvignon; and 94 points with Editors’ Choice honors from Wine Enthusiast for both the 2023 C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon and 2023 The Weston Red Blend. His versatility extends well beyond bold reds, the 2025 Kylie Ryan Rosé was also named Best Rosé at the Next Gen Wine Competition.
More Than Our Winemaker
Over nearly two decades together, Mark has become much more than McGrail’s winemaker—he is part of our family. His relationship with Heather, Ginger, Rachel and the entire McGrail team has been built on trust, shared values and a mutual commitment to making exceptional wines while remaining true to the welcoming spirit of the Livermore Valley. Mark has helped shape not only the wines in our bottles, but also the identity, traditions and future of McGrail Vineyards.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Mark also believes that knowledge is meant to be shared. Since 2020, he has worked closely with McGrail Assistant Winemaker CJ Malski, teaching him the instincts, techniques and patience that can only be developed through hands-on experience. Together, they work through every stage of the winemaking process—from walking the vineyards and evaluating fruit to fermentation, blending and barrel selection.
This mentorship is an important part of McGrail’s long-term vision. By investing in CJ and passing along more than four decades of experience, Mark is helping ensure that the quality, character and vineyard knowledge behind McGrail wines will continue for generations. It is one more example of Mark’s generosity and his lasting influence on both McGrail Vineyards and the greater Livermore Valley wine community.
Mark's Favorite Picks
Straight from the estate, these are Mark’s top picks of the season – wines that reflect the vineyard at its best and the ones he’s proudest to pour.
2022 A Jo Elet, The Good Life Cabernet
A truly special Cabernet, perfectly paired with a beautifully seasoned steak or a moment worth savoring.
$59.00
2023 Malbec
Fruit-forward and vibrant, with black plum, cherry and baking spice notes, smooth tannins, a clean finish.
$44.00
Beyond McGrail, Mark is one of the Livermore Valley wine community’s most trusted resources. He is generous with his knowledge and always willing to answer a question, troubleshoot a challenge or lend a hand to another winery. His expertise has been built over more than 45 harvests, but it is his humility, authenticity and willingness to support others that have earned him such tremendous respect throughout the region.
When Mark is not walking the vineyards or working in the cellar, he can often be found onstage. An accomplished singer and guitarist, he performs with several bands and has played music across three continents. He is also the proud father of two children, but one of his most cherished roles is being “Poppy” to his granddaughter, with whom he shares an especially close bond.
To know Mark is to know someone truly original: a brilliant winemaker, a natural musician, a loyal friend and a kind soul whose influence can be felt far beyond the wines he creates. Winemaking is more than Mark’s profession, it is his craft, his community and the life he has built in the Livermore Valley.
Join the McGrail Family
Become a wine club member and enjoy exclusive allocations, member-only events, and a seat at our table among the historic vines of Livermore Valley.
Host An Event Or Book a Tasting
Whether you’re looking for a day of Wine Tasting or to Book an event for a
special celebration, we are the perfect place.