All fine wines begin with outstanding fruit but great wines also require an artistic touch. My passion - and my challenge - is to use the palate of flavors from the vineyard to craft delicious wines that uniquely express their origins as well as my own personal style.
Jay Turnipseed, Winemaker
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Jay Turnipseed — Winemaker

Jay joins Rutherford Wine Company with distinguished winemaking credentials in Napa Valley and Sonoma. For twelve years, Jay refined his skills as the Senior Winemaker at Franciscan Estate & Mount Veeder Winery, where he received recognition for crafting elegant Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals from Napa Valley’s diverse sub-AVAs. Jay was also with Gallo of Sonoma as an Enologist working with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Along with his degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, Jay brings an outstanding breadth of knowledge and experience crafting premium California wines. He joins our talented team and will oversee winemaking for each brand within our diverse portfolio. Welcome to the team! 

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Kaitlyn Sulenski — Assistant Winemaker

Kaitlyn has a Bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly, and an International Masters in Enology and Viticulture from Vinifera Euromaster – Montpellier, France and Milano, Italy. She has worked at various wineries from Australia to Italy and recently returned to the Napa Valley.