When Montage Healdsburg was in search of a vintner to manage its vineyard on-site, they turned to the talented Jesse Katz from Aperture Cellars. With over 425 wineries in Sonoma County to choose from, the resort opted to collaborate with Jesse Katz, a recognized figure in the wine industry and named a ’40 Under 40 Tastemaker’ by Wine Enthusiast.
Allen Highfield, the General Manager of Montage Healdsburg, highlighted Jesse’s impressive career achievements, from his success at renowned wineries like Screaming Eagle to being named a ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ honoree. Highfield expressed confidence in Jesse’s upward career trajectory and saw him as a perfect fit for their new resort.
Jesse Katz oversees the cultivation of various grape varieties on Montage Healdsburg’s vineyard, including malbec, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, which he will use to produce wines for the resort in the coming years. Meanwhile, visitors can experience Katz’s winemaking expertise at Aperture Cellars Estate, located just a short distance from Montage Healdsburg.
The Aperture Cellars Estate boasts a newly designed winery and tasting room with stunning views of the northern Russian River Valley. The visitor center features floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic vistas of Aperture’s estate vineyard, first planted in 1912. The interior showcases a collection of fine art by Andy Katz, Jesse’s father, a renowned photographer whose work graces every bottle of Aperture Cellars wine.
Jesse Katz’s journey into winemaking was influenced early on by his father’s illustrious career as a photographer capturing vineyards worldwide. He gained valuable experience working at various wineries globally, including prestigious establishments like Pétrus in Bordeaux and Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle Winery.
At Aperture, recognized as a ‘Rising Star’ winery by Wine Spectator, Jesse focuses on selecting unique vineyard sites in California and employs precise winemaking techniques to showcase each vineyard’s distinct characteristics. His signature wines, such as the Aperture 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and the Aperture 2018 Bordeaux Red Blend, reflect his dedication to crafting elegant and complex blends.
Visitors to Aperture Cellars can enjoy a range of tasting experiences, from the Soil Series to the Private Tasting Experience, led by knowledgeable staff. Jesse Katz’s commitment to his craft and community is evident in his involvement in charitable causes and collaborations with local artisans and chefs in Sonoma County.
Montage Healdsburg’s choice to partner with Jesse Katz reflects their admiration for his talent, energy, and dedication to winemaking. His remarkable journey and contributions to the wine industry have garnered widespread recognition, making him a standout figure in Sonoma County.
Image Source: California Home Design
