Interview with Winemaker Jesse Katz

I recently had the privilege of interviewing the exceptional winemaker behind Aperture Wines, Jesse Katz. With an impressive track record that includes 19 100-point wines and the distinction of creating the highest-priced wine ever sold at auction, Jesse’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Continue reading to discover more about his journey in my Interview with Winemaker Jesse Katz.

Be sure to check out My Visit to The Beautiful Aperture Cellars here.

Was there a moment that you remember when you knew that you wanted to be a winemaker?

My passion for wine began through travels during my youth with family and following my artist father, Andy Katz, who frequently worked on photography projects that took us to some of the world’s best wine estates and regions. These travels instilled a deep appreciation for terroir, balance, and the artistry of winemaking. This passion led me through an impressive immersion into the wine world, including studies at Fresno State and hands-on experience at prestigious estates like Pétrus, Screaming Eagle, and Bodega Noemia.

I feel very fortunate that I have been able to observe how great wines have been made throughout the world in a lot of different styles, climates, regions, soils, etc. from my childhood to my professional career. Introduced to wine in my early teens through my father’s artwork, I have always been attuned to the sense of place and an artistic approach has always been integrated in me. This background and my experience making wine all over the world, has given me a unique vision of how to look and find great sites that preserve and showcase the distinctive qualities of each site and varietal that make it unique, often in areas others have overlooked.

What was your first wine job?

I was an intern at Fess Parker Winery when I was 18 years old while going to Business School in Santa Barbara.

Where did you study to be a winemaker or where were you taught?

My formal education was at Fresno State where I got my BS in Enology and Viticulture and minored in Chemistry.

As a winemaker you taste (and spit) lots of wine, what wine do you feel bad about spitting because you love it so much?

I don’t feel bad about spitting as I would not be able to be functional if I didn’t lol

What was one of the biggest mistakes you have made in your winemaking career?

Not investing in Sonoma earlier. I was also broke so…

Who has been the most influential mentor in your career?

The brilliant viticulturist, Phil Freese.

What is something you’d like to share about Sonoma County Wines that many consumers may not know, or have a misconception about?

That some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon’s and Bordeaux (reds and whites) in the world are being made in Sonoma.

Besides making Aperture Wines, what other brands do you make wine for?

Devil Proof
The Setting Wines
Prophet and Poet
Aesthete
The Surveyor (Montage Estate Vineyards)
Vallette Wines (Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon only)
Sign of the Dove
Exposed

What is your favorite after work drink?

Champagne

What is your favorite local spot in Healdsburg?

We are blessed with a lot of wonderful options, but a go-to spot for me is Chef Dustin Valette’s Rooftop 106. In truth, you won’t be disappointed with any of Chef Valette’s three dining options in Healdsburg: Valette, Matheson, and Rooftop 106. Overlooking the historic Healdsburg square complete with a wonderful atmosphere, Rooftop 106 has some of the best cocktails in town, a fantastic local wine list, and wonderful woodfired pizzas, steaks, and creative appetizers.