Makers' Stories
Wesley Steffens
— Winemaking is more than a business—it's a lifestyle, a craft. The opportunity to share something you’ve created and see it bring joy to others is truly amazing.
What does "cultivating excellence" as a Napa Valley vintner mean to you?
To me, cultivating excellence means creating a brand rooted in quality, grounded in authenticity and built on sustainability. It’s about striving for the highest standards in every detail while staying true to our values and ensuring our practices stand the test of time.
Tell us about your first Napa Valley harvest…
My first harvest was in 2022 as a cellar intern at Harlan and BOND Estates. What began as a two-to-three-month internship quickly became a four-year journey, laying the foundation for my passion and dedication to winemaking.
If you weren't a Napa Valley vintner, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t a Napa Valley vintner, I’d probably be traveling the world with a camera in hand. Photography is a true passion of mine, and you’ll often find me walking the vineyard with my camera over my shoulder, capturing the beauty that surrounds us.
What's your all-time favorite food and wine pairing?
I’m a steak and Cabernet kind of guy. There’s nothing better than a great cut of steak, seasoned simply with salt, pepper and olive oil, cooked to perfection on the BBQ and paired with a fantastic bottle of Napa Cabernet. It’s classic, simple and absolutely perfect.
How did you get started in the wine business?
Wine was always a part of our dinner table growing up, sparking an early appreciation for it. After earning my undergraduate degree, I attended culinary school, which brought me to Napa Valley through my passion for food. That connection naturally led me into the world of winemaking.
What is your favorite memory as a vintner working in Napa Valley?
It’s hard to choose just one memory. For me, the most meaningful part is simply having the opportunity to live, work and create in such an incredible valley. Being surrounded by a community that supports one another in their respective journeys is truly special.
Name a Napa Valley vintner who has influenced you and briefly explain why.
There are so many incredible vintners and winemakers who’ve shaped my journey, but I’d have to say Bob Levy. He saw something in me and believed in my potential during the four years I worked for him at Harlan. His mentorship left a lasting impact on my career.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Most people don’t know that I’m a professionally trained chef—even though I probably don’t cook as much as my wife would like me to! But I do bring home plenty of wine!
If you could open a bottle of your wine and share it with any three people (living or not), who would they be?
Hands down, my father. He’s the one who instilled my passion for wine and set us on this incredible journey in the wine world. Our family’s path in wine wouldn’t have happened without him, and even today, we continue to share and celebrate this love together.
What is your winemaking philosophy?
I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible winemakers throughout my career, each of whom has helped shape my philosophy. My goal is to craft wines that stay true to their varietal, reflect their origins and are structured to tell compelling stories in the glass for many years to come.
Est. 1999
Vineyard 7 & 8
03
The Makers