Estate Winemaking

Zeke Neeley, Winemaker

Winemaker Zeke Neeley first fell in love with Sonoma Valley when he came here as a small boy to visit his grandparents. It was a welcome escape from the foggy town of Daly City, south of San Francisco, where he grew up.

After getting a degree in Biochemistry, he worked in the biotech industry on cancer research, but his love for wine country led him to return to U.C. Davis to get a M.S. in Viticulture and Enology and pursue a career in winemaking. Now, with over 20 years experience, and the last 15 as head winemaker at both Napa and Sonoma wineries, making wine in Sonoma Valley feels like a homecoming. Winemaking at Kunde is a challenge and a pleasure for Zeke.

“From a historic perspective, there aren’t many properties as significant to winemaking in California as the Kunde Estate, and from a winemaking perspective, it is a treat to work with these dramatic hillside vineyard blocks. I strive to showcase the characteristics of this ranch and highlight the uniqueness of the wines made from the estate-grown fruit.”