John's Role

Director of Winemaking and Operations

After moving to California, John accepted a position to work as the Assistant Winemaker under Ed Kurtzman for the August West, Roar and Sandler wine labels. After two years of working and learning with one of the premier winemakers in California, John focused on Cellars 33® as well as his own clients, including Von Holt Wines, at their San Francisco based winery. Since 2010, John has crafted over 30 wines earning 90 points or higher from major wine publications for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah.

With the expansion of the business, including a soon to open new tasting room in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood at Pier 70, John now oversees all aspects of wine production in both San Francisco and Lodi as well as vineyard identification and procurement, and business development.  Also, John still has the primary responsibility for the Von Holt wine program and Cellars 33's most popular wine - the Rose'!