The Quest for the Perfect Blend
Jesse Katz is a globally recognized winemaker, renowned for his exceptional wines and consulted work for elite clients. His dedication to creating unique blends has earned him multiple 100-point ratings from top critics. Katz’s journey into the world of winemaking began during his youth, sparked by travels with his family, including his artist father, Andy Katz. The family would often visit renowned wine estates and regions, instilling in Jesse a deep appreciation for the culture and artistry of winemaking. This passion led Katz to pursue an immersive journey into the world of wine, including studies at Fresno State and hands-on experience at prestigious estates such as Pétrus, Screaming Eagle, Viña Cobos, Bodega Noemía, and many others.
- Pétrus: A legendary Bordeaux winery known for its exceptional quality and limited production.
- Screaming Eagle: A renowned Napa Valley winery recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
- Viña Cobos: A world-class winery from Argentina, producing some of the world’s finest wines.
- Bodega Noemía: A Chilean winery celebrated for its exceptional wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.
Katz’s journey has taken him to diverse styles, climates, regions, and soils, allowing him to develop a unique vision for identifying exceptional vineyard sites that showcase the distinctive qualities of each location and varietal.
A Home for Sonoma County
Katz is proud to call Sonoma County his home, where he has found the perfect blend of terroir and climate to create exceptional wines. Sonoma County is a region that often goes overlooked, but Katz is determined to change that. “Sonoma County is a treasure trove of winegrape varieties and climates, from the coastal fog to the Mediterranean sun. With the right approach, Sonoma County can produce some of the world’s most exceptional wines.”
Katz’s passion for Sonoma County is evident in his work at Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof Vineyards. He has a deep understanding of the region’s unique characteristics and is committed to showcasing its exceptional wines.
Awards and Accolades
Katz’s dedication to creating exceptional wines has earned him numerous awards and accolades. He has received multiple 100-point ratings from top critics, solidifying his reputation as a leading winemaker.
- 100-point ratings from top critics
- Founder and head winemaker of Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof Vineyards
A Conversation with Jesse Katz
We sat down with Jesse Katz to discuss his journey, passion, and approach to winemaking. Amber Turpin: What’s your job? Jesse Katz: Founder and head winemaker of Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof Vineyards. How did you get into that work? My passion for wine began during my youth through travels with my family, following my artist father, Andy Katz, whose photography projects often took us to some of the world’s best wine estates and regions. These journeys instilled in me a deep appreciation for the culture, terroir, and artistry of winemaking and viticulture. Did you ever have an “aha” moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it. Learning that some of the best cabernet sauvignons and Bordeaux varietal wines in the world are being made in Sonoma. What is your favorite thing to drink at home? Wine. I love—and drink—a lot of different types of wines. My wine choice depends on the setting, company, what I’m eating, etc. I drink a lot of Champagne, aromatic whites, blends, and cabernet sauvignons from all over the world, but always enjoy trying new things. Where do you like to go out for a drink? We are blessed with a ton of wonderful options in Sonoma, but a go-to spot for me is chef Dustin Valette’s Rooftop 106. I also love going out for drinks at the outdoor patio at Hazel Hill, which overlooks the stunning vineyards of the Montage Healdsburg Resort. If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)? One of our single vineyard wines from Aperture.