David Yorgensen

Winemaker, KIND, Pott Wine

David was born and raised in New England. He received his degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology from the University of Vermont. In 2004 he moved across the country to pursue a career change as a winemaker. His early work in the Napa Valley included working with small family owned wineries and creating his own project- KIND. Since this time he has continued working with small projects in the Napa Valley and abroad.

Country born: United States

Education: David has built upon the opportunities he has had since coming to the Napa Valley. He has honed his skills through determination and perseverance; through his hard work and his development of relationships with farmers, growers and other winemaking friends, his work has been built on a sense of partnership and the belief that when one cares a great deal, when knowledge is married with a zeal for grape and palate, exceptional wine is the result.

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
In the winery David's attention to detail is great. He believes in a minimalist approach to winemaking . Over-processing, meddling with the wine’s inherent nature and voice, is carefully avoided. He believes in showcasing vineyard and regional characteristics.

Aaron Pott

Winemaker, KIND, Pott Wine

Mention Paris to most people and you’ll get a rude waiter story; Aaron’s is that he was ten, and the sneering Monsieur brought him wine instead of the milk he had ordered, because milk ‘ees for babies.’
Aaron found himself yearning for a French wine adventure. He asked Michel if he could find him a job somewhere. Heeding his master’s call (his mind filled with romantic expectations of pulling hoses around a cellar) he dutifully showed up at the appointed Chateau… only to be taken on as winemaker. So began 6 years of living and working in France, first as Winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot and later director of Château La Tour Figeac.
Ready to come home in 1998, Aaron phased himself back to California with a stint as Beringer’s “flying winemaker” making wine in France, Italy and Chile. Here’s when he met and wooed his wife, Claire, with his “impossibly romantic” lifestyle, and found another great friend and mentor, Jean-Louis Mandreau (winemaker at Château Latour from 1970 to 1983) who wasn’t so impressed with the lifestyle, but thought Aaron had a lot of potential. Ready to stay in one place for a while, Aaron took over as winemaker for St. Clement in 2001, then in 2004 he moved to Quintessa as winemaker and general manager.
In 2004, we purchased a 76 acre (.2 acres planted) property on Mt. Veeder and began to develop our dream of owning our own vineyards. In 2007 we launched Pott Wine and released our first vintage of Incubo, as well as our first collection of single-vineyard wines in 2009.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years