Jason Kesner

Jason Kesner is the President and Winemaker at Kistler Vineyards, where he has worked since 2008. His career began not in a cellar, but in vineyards, managing the acclaimed Hudson Vineyards for eight years. This hands-on agricultural experience forms the foundation of his winemaking philosophy, stewarding the legacy of Kistlers iconic brand.

Despite not formally studying oenology, Jason grew up around the industry, as his mother was a microbiologist for Robert Mondavi. He studied cultural anthropology before venturing into the culinary world, experiences that shaped his holistic, terroir-driven approach to wine. He dislikes the title "winemaker, " preferring to credit his entire team.

His hiring process at Kistler was effectively an eight-year interview, as founder Steve Kistler observed his meticulous farming practices at Hudson Vineyards.