Our Team

Jay joined Rutherford Wine Company in 2017 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 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay 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 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.

Along with his degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, Jay has an outstanding breadth of knowledge and experience crafting premium California wines. Since joining the team, Jay has been a huge contribution to Rutherford Wine Company. As Director of Winemaking, he oversees winemaking for each brand within our diverse portfolio.

Associate Winemaker Kaitlyn Sulenski’s love of wine started early. Growing up, her grandparents lived in Napa Valley, and she was fully immersed in great wine and wine culture from the beginning. A desire to pursue a career in winemaking, led Kaitlyn to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a degree in Enology followed by an International Masters in Enology and Viticulture from Vinifera Euromaster – Montpellier, France and Milano, Italy. Kaitlyn’s winemaking skills have taken her all over the world from Australia to Italy and back to the U.S. where she set down roots here in Napa Valley. In 2017 Kaitlyn joined Rutherford Wine Company as an assistant winemaker but quickly distinguished herself not only as an accomplished technician, but also a leader. Today, Kaitlyn oversees wine production for the Rutherford Wine Co. portfolio.

Caylin joins the team with a wealth of experience. While studying for a degree in plant science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, she worked in a student-run vineyard and in a viticulture internship for Fruition Sciences. Since graduating, she has completed several classes in wine production and wine appreciation through Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis Extension. Her professional experience includes working her way up from Harvest Lab Intern to Production Assistant at Duckhorn Wine Company and, most recently, she served as the Quality Control Technician at Wente Family Vineyards. Today, Caylin assists in providing winemaking oversight and support for the Rutherford Wine Company portfolio.