Aaron Pott

Winemaker, Blackbird Vineyards

Aaron Pott’s curiosity in wine began at the young age of nine when he ordered a glass of milk in a venerable Parisian bistro. When the waiter responded—in halting perfect English—that “milk is for babies” and promptly produced a glass of watered down red, Pott realized that wine was a beverage of choice for adults and immersed himself in the world of wine trivia.

Studying oenology at the University of California, Davis, Pott delved into all aspects of the theory of winemaking, including practical application by working part-time in the research laboratory at Robert Mondavi Winery. He completed his education with a master’s degree in Viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France.

Pott immediately took the position of assistant winemaker at Newton Vineyard, under Winemaker John Kongsgaard. It was at Newton—under the wing of his first great mentor—that Pott would be introduced to Michel Rolland. At many tastings with Kongsgaard and Rolland (set up by legendary wine collector Dade Thieriot), Pott tried to convince Rolland to find him a job in France—pulling hoses around a dark cellar and working on his language skills. Rolland soon sent word that he had found the ideal position—winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot, Premier Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion. Pott would thereafter become winemaker and general manager of Château La Tour Figeac Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion.

Pott worked for nearly six years making wine in France before returning to the States to take a position with Beringer Wine Estates. As a winemaker for the company’s international brands in France, Italy and South America, he had the pleasure to work with French Winemakers Jean-Louis Mandrau, formerly of Château Latour and André Porcheret, whose resume included the Hospice de Beaune and Domaine Leroy. Pott’s duties expanded in 2001 as winemaker at St. Clement in St. Helena. In 2004, he accepted the position as winemaker and general manager at Quintessa.

In 2007, Pott formed “Pott Wines” and is dedicated to consulting for a limited quantity of notable producers as well as making wines of his own. Currently, Pott is the consulting winemaker for Blackbird Vineyards, Seven Stones Winery, Bello Family Vineyards, Fisher Vineyards, Quixote, Krupp Brothers Estate (Stagecoach Vineyard), St. Helena Estate and Joseph Carr Wines.

Country born: United States

Education: U.C. Davis B.S., Universite de Bourgogne Masters, Mentors John Kongsgaard, Michel Rolland, Andre Porcheret, Jean-Louis Mandrau.

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Honors / Awards:
2012 Winemaker of the Year - Food & Wine Magazine

Winemaking Philosophy:
Let the grapes express their true character in each bottle.

Kyle Mizuno

Winemaker, Blackbird Vineyards

Kyle Mizuno never planned to be a winemaker. He went to University of California, Davis study biochemistry with the intent to become a pharmacist, following in the footsteps of his Uncle, whom he admired. Sadly, his Uncle passed away before Mizuno’s senior year. At the funeral, he met his Uncle’s boss, an extremely successful pharmacist, who was applying to UC Davis to study winemaking. This both puzzled and intrigued Mizuno. Why would someone excelling in their field want to change careers? In his senior year, Mizuno decided to take a Viticulture and Enology class with Carole Meredith who is known for her work in grape genetics. Despite his interest in winemaking and passion for wine, Mizuno nearly failed the course. Years later, when working with esteemed winemaker Aaron Pott, he reunited with Meredith and they shared a laugh over his failed course. As one of many biochemistry graduates from UC Davis, there was tough competition for the few available positions. At the annual job fair, there were only three bioscience companies and each were seeking interns. After speaking with each bioscience company, he decided to explore lab position opportunities with a few of the 100+ wineries in attendance. He was offered a position at Franciscan Estates and began his career in the wine industry. Over the years, Mizuno has worked with many well-regarded winemakers including, Michel Rolland, Heidi Barrett, Philippe Melka, Helen Keplinger, Sarah Gott, and Aaron Pott. Pott has been Mizuno’s mentor since early in his career. In addition to Franciscan Estates, Mizuno has worked for Quintessa, Kenzo Estate and directly for Pott. Bespoke Collection is excited to have him as the winemaker for Resolute Wines and support Pott with the Blackbird Vineyards portfolio.

Country born: United States

Education: UC Davis
Mentor: Aaron Pott

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Honor the hard work that starts in the vineyards. Express the individuality and diversity of the vineyards and don't screw it up.