Winemaker Steve Byfield was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario. His musical endeavours lead him to purse the performing arts with eventual aspirations of becoming an educator. It was during Steve's University career that his interest in wine became a passion. As an ever-curious amateur winemaker Steve travelled to the Niagara region in the summer of 1998, and there his imagination and excitement for the wine industry took hold.

In the fall of 2000, Steve took his first step into the wine industry when he took a job as a product consultant with Southbrook Winery (Richmond Hill, just north of Toronto). The following year Steve was given the opportunity to apprentice as a cellar hand for the 2001 vintage and was subsequently promoted to assistant winemaker shortly thereafter. Concurrent to winery operations during this period, post secondary studies were pursued in viticulture and winemaking through the Ontario Agriculture College at the University of Guelph. "My memories of the 2001 harvest still resonate to this day," says Steve, "it was truly an eye opening experience. Getting dirty in the trenches, seeing fruit transform into one of Mother Nature's most beloved gifts, was humbling and fascinating to witness. It was during this time that I knew I had found my calling, and for that I am very thankful to Bill and Marilyn Redelmeier, the owners of Southbrook Vineyards, for the opportunity."

Steve's tenure at Southbrook lasted for 5 vintages with his departure to the Beamsville Bench region in the summer of 2006. Since re-locating to Niagara Steve has worked as an assistant winemaker with Ridgepoint Wines, Calamus Estate Winery (to present) and held the position of winemaker / general manger at Thomas and Vaughan Estate Winery. Nyarai Cellars is Steve's newest endeavour and starts yet another new chapter in the winemaker's career, as head winemaker of his own label. Nyarai Cellar is also proud to be one of the small yet growing collection of vintner-directed virtual operations within the Niagara region.