New Estate Winemaker
Spottswoode promotes Aron Weinkauf to Winemaker
& Vineyard Manager
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery is excited to announce the promotion of Aron Weinkauf to the position of Winemaker & Vineyard Manager. Aron joined Spottswoode as Assistant Winemaker in 2006, and added the responsibilities and title of Vineyard Manager in 2009. Aron holds a graduate degree in Enology from Fresno State University and previously worked in winemaking and viticultural positions at Paul Hobbs Winery and Ficklin Vineyards.
Aron has proven himself extremely adept over the five years that he has been immersed in all aspects of Spottswoode’s production, and his promotion assures the continuation of the rigorous qualitative standards that are the hallmark of the Spottswoode wines.
Additionally, Spottswoode has hired Landon Donley as Assistant Winemaker, who will work closely with Aron as he did when he served as the 2010 Harvest Intern at the winery. Landon’s work experience includes an internship at Molly Dooker Winery in Australia and multiple vintages at Fresno State Winery in Fresno, California, from which he graduated with a degree in Enology.
Aron and Landon will be assuming these roles in late May, when current Winemaker Jennifer Williams transitions out of her position as winemaker. Jennifer will be on hand to support Spottswoode's winemaking team through the end of the 2011 harvest. Also providing to the Estate’s continuity, commitment to quality and sustainability will be long-time Spottswoode winemaking consultant, Rosemary Cakebread.
Beth Novak Milliken, President of Spottswoode, reflected on these new appointments, “We have been fortunate that in the history of our estate, this special vineyard has had the guidance of great winemaking talent—talent and passion that we know will continue with Aron and Landon.”
