Who owns Aperture Winery?

Answered by Joseph Vos

Aperture Winery is owned by renowned winemaker Jesse Katz. Jesse grew up in the industry, as his father was a grape grower and winery owner in the Sonoma County region of California. This early exposure to the world of wine sparked Jesse's passion for winemaking, and he went on to study at the esteemed University of California, Davis, where he honed his skills and knowledge in viticulture and enology.

After completing his studies, Jesse gained experience working at various prestigious wineries in California, including Screaming Eagle, one of Napa Valley's most iconic and highly regarded wineries. It was during this time that Jesse developed a deep appreciation for Cabernet Sauvignon, and he recognized the potential of Sonoma County's Alexander Valley to produce exceptional wines from this grape varietal.

In 2009, Jesse established his own winery, Aperture, with a focus on crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The name “Aperture” reflects Jesse's desire to capture the essence of a specific moment in time, just as a photograph does through the opening and closing of an aperture. This attention to detail and commitment to capturing the unique characteristics of each vintage is evident in the wines produced by Aperture Winery.

Aperture sources its grapes from carefully selected vineyards throughout Sonoma County, including their own estate vineyard in Alexander Valley. Jesse believes in sustainable and organic farming practices, ensuring that the grapes used in his wines are of the highest quality and express the true terroir of the region.

One of the unique aspects of Aperture Winery is Jesse's innovative approach to winemaking. He combines traditional techniques with technology, pushing the boundaries to create wines that are both balanced and expressive. Jesse pays meticulous attention to every step of the winemaking process, from grape selection and fermentation to barrel aging and blending, to ensure that each bottle of Aperture wine is a true reflection of his vision.

As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting several wines from Aperture Winery, and I can attest to the exceptional quality and flavor they possess. The Cabernet Sauvignon wines exhibit rich, ripe black fruit flavors such as blackberry and black currant, along with enticing notes of baking spices, tobacco, and earthy undertones. The oak aging adds a layer of complexity, integrating well with the fruit flavors and adding hints of vanilla and toast.

Aperture Winery is owned by Jesse Katz, a talented and passionate winemaker who has dedicated himself to producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Sonoma County. Through his expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to quality, Jesse has established Aperture as a producer of exceptional wines that truly capture the essence of the region's terroir.