Premiere Napa Valley Live Auction

Paul Scotto

Winemaker, J. McClelland Cellars

5th generation winemaker Paul Scotto is a U.C. Davis Viticulture and Management graduate with a broad range of wine experience. After selling vineyard and construction equipment in the U.S. and Asia, Paul joined his family's wine business, Scotto Cellars, in 2009. Paul has managed his family's production and sourced grapes across California's finest growing regions. In 2011, this vineyard sourcing led to a winery acquisition in the rolling hills in eastern Napa Valley, Steele Canyon Cellars. It became the home of 50 Harvests and J. McClelland Cellars, where Paul leads an accomplished team of winemakers in the production of small lots of Napa Valley wines, producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Petite Verdot.

Country born: United States

Education: Bachelor's degree in Viticulture and Management from UC Davis.

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Balance, structure and varietal intensity makes for excellent wines.

Mitch Cosentino

Winemaker, J. McClelland Cellars

Entering 40th harvest in 2019 vintage. Launched numerous wineries and brands, including pureCru Winery. Has acted as winemaking consultant for J. McClelland Cellars since 2014..

Country born: USA

Education: BA in Broadcast Communications fom CSU Sac. Mentors are John Parducci, Ed Sbragia among others.

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Honors / Awards:
Andre Tchelischeff Winemaker of the Year Award in 2003
Best American Cabernet Sauvignon in 1986 American Wine Competition.
Best American White Wine 2017 at the Best Wines in the World Competition
Over 2000 other Medals, Awards and honors

Winemaking Philosophy:
Flavor and balance are paramount. All wines should have the ability to age, using time honored methods with proper aging.

Mark Smith

Winemaker, J. McClelland Cellars

A graduate of Cal State University Bakersfield, Mark went on to earn his Masters degree in International Relations from Golden Gate University. His grand plan was to become a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department State. However, plans took a sharp turn in 2002 when he decided to abandon that career and head to Napa Valley from his home in San Francisco to pursue his passion in the culture and craft of winemaking.

His wife Tammy was an ardent supporter, so together they purchased a home in Napa and a new journey began. Mark enrolled in the Viticulture and Enology program at Napa Valley Community College in 2002 and completed his studies in 2006. From 2004 to 2009 Mark worked as cellar master with his first mentor and trusted counselor, winemaker Jason Ball at St. Barthelémy Cellars (now J. McClelland Cellars).

In 2009 Mark continued his journey in winemaking at Groth Vineyards & Winery. He joined the Scotto family and J. McClelland Cellars in 2014 where he began working with winemakers Paul Scotto and Mitch Cosentino to further his skills and nurture his goal of producing wines exhibiting elegance, grace, balance and a true sense of place.

In addition to enjoying the beautiful views of the Valley from the winery, Mark, Tammy, and their son Aidan partake in many individual and family pursuits such as travel, bicycling, kayaking, fly fishing and restoring their vintage 1918 “bungalow” home in downtown Napa.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years