Creative Mind: Jesse Katz
The Colorado native launched his Sonoma County label, Aperture Cellars, in 2009
Jesse Katz’s unorthodox introduction to winemaking could spark jealousy among the most seasoned sommeliers. During his childhood, the Colorado native accompanied his itinerant photographer father, Andy Katz, as he captured the world’s most magnificent vineyards, meeting legendary vintners Robert Mondavi and Olivier Leflaive on his adventures. “I was very comfortable, even though I wasn’t born into this,” recalls Katz, who cultivated a nuanced understanding of wines by exploring cellars and sneaking sips during the years his family journeyed through Burgundy, Tuscany, and Bordeaux.
Studying viticulture and enology at California State University in Fresno and cutting his teeth at renowned Napa estate Screaming Eagle deepened his affinity for Bordeaux varietals and passion for clever winemaking techniques among vastly different soils and climates. That dynamic still enthralls Katz, who launched his Sonoma County label, Aperture Cellars, in 2009. Every bottle features an original photograph taken by his father.
Top honors: From Aperture’s cutting-edge facility in Healdsburg, California, guests sample single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, expressive Malbecs, and refined Bordeaux-style reds that have garnered Wine Spectator’s prestigious 100-point recognition. “I always tell my team we haven’t made our best wine yet,” Katz says, “no matter how many critics give it a perfect score.”
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2026 Spring Issue in the section “Creative Minds.” Subscribe to the magazine.