Craig MacLean

Winemaker, Juslyn Vineyards

Upon graduating from U.C. Davis in 1982 with a Bachelors Degree in Plant Science, Craig started a landscaping company in his of hometown San Diego. Craig became interested in wine after attending wine tastings organized by one of his clients. When his interest in wine increased to an intense level, he went back to U.C. Davis to get a Master’s Degree in Enology. In 1986, during his last year in the Enology program, Craig worked the harvest at Chappellet Vineyard with Cathy Corison and Mia Klein. Upon graduation Craig was hired as Assistant Winemaker for Markham Vineyards where he worked for 2 years. Craig left Markham in 1989 and went to work for Cain Vineyard and Winery as Assistant Winemaker. Six months later, he was promoted to Winemaker and continued the Cain Five tradition and helped establish the Cuvee and Musque wine programs. In 1994, Craig moved down the hill to Spring Mountain Vineyard for four vintages and helped resurrect that great old property. In early 1998, Craig and a few friends founded the Kelham MacLean project. After three vintages, Craig and his partners sold the company, and in 2001, Craig crushed the first grapes for MacLean Wines (a solo project). Craig started a consulting company in 1998 which has continued to this day. His clients have included Juslyn, Bialla, Ilsley, Ahnfeldt, Brookdale, Anselmo Vigne, Dos Lagos, Schrader Vineyards and Alexandra Gianna. In 2007 Craig founded a new wine company named JAQK Cellars.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years