Jean Hoefliger

Winemaker, The Debate

Jean Hoefliger's initial experience took him from Switzerland to Bordeaux and South Africa, making wine at the esteemed estates of Chateau Lynch-Bages, Chateau Carbonnieux and Meerlust. After completing a winemaking and viticulture degree at the Swiss federal school of Changins, Jean came to California where he spent the first five years in Napa Valley as Winemaker for Newton Vineyard. He then continued on to the famed Alpha Omega Winery along with Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo, California and Perinet Winery in Spain. In addition, to other projects across the globe Jean consults for THE DEBATE. Jean's winemaking style is characterized by long, natural barrel fermentation, he also often leaves red wines on skins for an extended amount of time to create wines that are delicious, intriguing and complex. Jean brings the true character of the vine and the terroir into the wine by making naturally fermented, unfined and unfiltered wines that show elegance, finesse and the capacity to age. Jean's esteem has grown as his wines continue to garner high scores and critical acclaim while his generosity of spirit, passion and down to earth attitude shine above it all.

Country born: Switzerland

Education: Winemaking and Viticulture degree at the Swiss Federal School of Changins

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Two friends have brought their unique perspectives together to create thought provoking and delicious wines that extend beyond the sense of taste to the thrill of telling stories and the art of listening. Jean Hoefliger began a new chapter in his global wine career when he partnered as Consulting Winemaker with Rob McKay to create The Debate. Their experience and perspective paired together has crafted wines that celebrate the art of conversation, the difference of viewpoints, and the enjoyment of sharing them through DEBATE.