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Kirk Venge

Winemaker, Eleven Eleven

Kirk Venge is one of the most recognized and sought-after winemakers in Napa and Sonoma. He is the owner and winemaker of Venge Estate Vineyards and Winery and the new label, Croix Estate. He is also the Consulting Winemaker for several boutique producers throughout Napa Valley, including B Cellars, Bacio Divino Cellars and the Janzen label, Beau Vigne, Entrepreneur Wines, Hunnicutt Wines, Jax Vineyards, Macauley Vineyard, Renteria Wines and Trespass Vineyards.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Coming from a long line of winemakers - dating back to my great grandfather, Knud, grandfather Per and father, Nils - you could say that farming and wine making is in my blood. It was with great excitement that I came across Eleven Eleven, where I can best utilize my skills and creativity. In fact, I had coveted the property and vineyards that Ellie, Carol and Aurelien were savvy enough to secure, and it was with enthusiasm that I agreed to cultivate their fruit. My winemaking focus has always been 'vineyard first,' and the Eleven Eleven vineyards are prime real estate for compelling winemaking.