Chef River Robinson

River Robinson is the Senior Sous Chef at Bricoleur Vineyards, where he plays an integral role in the estate’s farm-to-table culinary program. Working alongside Executive Chef Todd Knoll, River helps create seasonal, wine-focused dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of Bricoleur’s culinary gardens and the surrounding Sonoma landscape.

A specialist in fresh pasta, River is known for his hands-on approach to cooking and his ability to transform simple, thoughtfully sourced ingredients into memorable dishes. He frequently leads pastamaking classes at Bricoleur, sharing his expertise with guests as they learn to create fresh pasta from scratch. His culinary creativity is reflected in dishes such as Fava & Ricotta Ravioli with garden arugula and Meyer lemon emulsion, as well as his experimentation with unexpected ingredients and flavor combinations, including incorporating matcha into pasta dough and sauces.

Since joining Bricoleur Vineyards in 2020, River has continued to refine his culinary craft while finding a supportive environment that encourages both professional and personal growth. Raised in a traditional Latino family in a conservative community, River's journey toward embracing his identity as an openly LGBTQIA+ chef has shaped his perspective on the importance of authenticity, acceptance and creating spaces where people feel welcome. Having experienced discrimination earlier in his culinary career, he brings a particularly meaningful appreciation for the inclusive culture he has found at Bricoleur.

Today, that perspective informs River's approach to both cooking and leadership. He believes food has the power to bring people together, foster meaningful connections and create moments of joy. Whether mentoring fellow culinary team members, guiding guests through a pasta-making class or developing seasonal menus inspired by the estate's gardens, River approaches his work with creativity, care and a commitment to making others feel welcome.

Through his work at Bricoleur, River continues to celebrate the connection between food, community and self-expression, while hoping to inspire others to embrace their individuality and pursue their passions with confidence.