Sold-out event brings winemaker's craft back to his hometown

SANDPOINT — Mike Berghan dreams of pouring his wine in the town where he grew up. But, the climate in our region is not known for grape-growing.

Like many who call Sandpoint home, Mike grew up skiing and snowboarding in the winter and playing on the trails and waters in summer. He never imagined his future would be centered on the wine industry.

In college, he studied International Finance, taking him abroad to Florence, Italy.

“That’s where I started drinking wine,” he said.

Returning to college in the Bay area, he was introduced to the business of wine when he became friends with a fellow student whose family owned a vineyard in Napa Valley. Working summers as a vine laborer, he budded a fondness for the production side of wine and began to cultivate an interest in owning his own vineyard someday.

“Land in California is expensive — too expensive for a recent college graduate.”

So, moving to Walla Walla, Washington, he took another job in wine, this time on the business and wine-making side of the industry. After six years of boots on the ground learning, he bought his first piece of land in Walla Walla and began planting grapes with his wife, Melissa in 2001. By 2005 they had released their first vintage.

Today, the couple runs Gifford Hirlinger, a small-batch winery.

“Other than our vine labor, my wife and I do it all,” he admits. “I make the wine. She sells it. And together we run a tasting room on the weekends.”

While farming was the initial draw for Mike, he says that he has grown to love the variety. Handling all aspects of the business, he says that moving from one facet to the next keeps him engaged and from getting overwhelmed.

Moving to Walla Walla has given Mike and Melissa a welcoming community and a climate that is optimum for producing wines they are proud of. But, Sandpoint is where his foundation and his family live. In fact, his cousin, Jim Bopp is a co-owner of Pend d’Oreille Winery, a former Pairings in the Pines featured winery.

Gifford Hirlinger is the 2026 featured winery for Kaniksu Land Trust’s annual Pairings in the Pines progressive tasting event. Mike and Melissa will pour five wines paired with small plates crafted by local artisan chefs from Beet & Basil, Bluebird Bakery, Eichardt’s, The Bank, and Winter Ridge.

“It always sells out — and it sells out earlier every year despite adding a flight time," Jeanine Smith, development and operations associate, said. “It’s an amazing experience, but more than that, people are literally immersed in nature while supporting work that is important to them.”

The event supports the conservation, connection, and community work of Kaniksu Land Trust. Taking place along a trail at Pine Street Woods, it combines elegant fundraiser with nature in a place that showcases the work that the event supports. 

“Pairings in the Pines is a wine event that really feels like Sandpoint,” explained Katie Cox, Kaniksu Land Trust Executive Director. “It connects people to the land and to our community.”

At last, Mike’s dream is fulfilled, bringing his craft full circle back to his hometown in support of the outdoors and community he came from. 

“I love Sandpoint,” he said. “I feel fortunate to be from here. We’re happy that we can have a part in supporting the work that keeps this place beautiful.”

The 2026 Pairings in the Pines event is sold out. Learn more about Kaniksu Land Trust and their work at kaniksu.org.