Wine Portfolio

Aron Weinkauf

Winemaker, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

Aron joined Spottswoode as assistant winemaker in 2006, and in 2009, he was also named Spottswoode's vineyard manager. Two years later, in recognition of his deep understanding of the vineyard, his gifted palate, and his artistry as a winemaker, Aron became the fifth winemaker in the winery's storied history. As both vineyard manager and winemaker, Aron carries on a rich tradition at Spottswoode of embracing an interconnected view of winemaking with deep roots in the vineyard. He is in the vineyard almost daily, guiding the farming of the estate's 24 blocks. In the winery, he works in small lots to ensure the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon authentically reflects the vineyard and the vintage, and that it is true to the elegant, energetic and age-worthy style for which Spottswoode has been recognized since 1982. Prior to Spottswoode, Aron worked at Paul Hobbs and was the assistant winemaker at Ficklin Vineyards.

Country born: United States

Education: Earned a BA in Spanish from Berry College. Studied abroad in Sevilla and Barcelona, Spain. Earned a degree in viticulture and enology from Fresno State. Assistant winemaker at Ficklin Vineyards. Winemaking team at Paul Hobbs.

I have a deep appreciation for my experiences throughout the years, and all I've learned working with Peter Ficklin, Paul Hobbs, Jennifer Williams and Rosemary Cakebread.

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Aron's winemaking philosophy is gentle, thoughtful and vineyard driven, while still being intimately hands-on and detail-oriented. "Working with our vineyard, I've come to believe in the interconnectedness of all things. With a vineyard like Spottswoode, if you are deeply aware of the needs of the land, you can make a dynamic wine of remarkable pleasure, beauty and balance in even the most challenging vintages."