We’re not bragging when we say we think we have the next up and coming “rockstar” winemaker from Napa as part of our team. Jeff Fontanella is that and more! His winemaking background includes stints at Opus One and ZD Winery followed by 4 years of working with Nils Venge at Saddleback Cellars and Venge Winery. With a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, and hands-on experience making wine from up to 13 different varietals at Saddleback, Jeff truly understands the intricate nuances that each vineyard can contribute to the complexity of a wine. Jeff walks and monitors all of the vineyards that Jake-Ryan sources fruit from throughout the growing season to ensure that only the best is going into the bottle. He then guides each of the wines through crush, fermentation and the barrel aging process to bring out the full flavor potential of each of our wines.

Jeff and his lovely wife Karen are in the process of building a beautiful new winery on Mt. Veeder and building a beautiful family. They Welcomed their first son John-Henry last summer, and are expecting a baby brother for JH later this year. Along with Jake-Ryan, Jeff makes wines for Carter Cellars, Phipps Family Cellars, Partridge Cellars and his own brand Fontanella.