What is an “aperture”? It’s the opening in a lens through which light passes into a camera. It’s similar to the pupils in our eyes that open to let more light in. So why did Founder and Winemaker Jesse Katz name his company “Aperture Cellars”? That, and other interesting facts, drew me to want to learn more about the man, the wine, and the new Aperture Estate.

Keep this article about Aperture Estate handy by saving it to Pinterest, so you can plan your visit.

6 Things to Know About Aperture Estate and Jesse Katz:

1 – Aperture Cellars is so-named because the company is a collaboration with his father, Andy Katz, a professional photographer. It’s Andy’s photography on the labels.

2 – The company was founded in 2009, focusing on Bordeaux-style wines from cool-climate areas in the Sonoma Valley of California. Katz controls more than 140 acres of vineyards plus 32 planted acres on the estate site that are used specifically because of their unique terroir and soil compositions. With his goal to make Bordeaux wines (normally made in Bordeaux, France), Katz found he could take advantage of Sonoma’s climate to make it happen.

3 – Katz was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and then one of the 40 Under 40 Tastemakers by Wine Enthusiast. Wine Spectator named him a “Rising Star.”

Founder and Winemaker Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars.

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4 – Aperture Estate, a dedicated winery and hospitality center for the Aperture label, officially opened July 9, 2021. It’s a culmination of 11 years of Jesse Katz’s work with Aperture. “We have been waiting a long time to host guests at the Aperture Estate, and we are delighted to soon show guests and friends a transportive hospitality experience that highlights our soil and site-specific wines and our partnerships with local artisans that give Sonoma such a sense of place,” says Katz. Enjoy curated food and wine experiences there, and take in photography by Andy Katz gracing the walls.

5 – Make an appointment to do a tasting on Aperture Estate’s outdoor terrace or private lounge, here. The Estate is a short drive from downtown Healdsburg, where the winery is located. The tasting experience is divided into two concepts: the Soil Series consists of Bordeaux-inspired blends from the vineyards in Alexander Valley and Sonoma County, focusing on the unique soil profiles that influence the flavor of the wines. The Site Series Experience is more of a deep dive that focuses on terroir from the vineyards in the Alexander Valley.

Relax! Enjoy some delicious wine and nibbles at Aperture Estate. Photo by Joe Philips.

6 – If you can’t get to the Aperture Cellars tasting room, the tasting experience can come to you, virtually. First, you select a themed flight of wines such as “Aromatic White Wines,” or “Aromatic White Wines and Bordeaux Blends Soil Series,” for example. Order them to be delivered to you and schedule a virtual tasting. Knowledgeable hosts will lead you through the experience of making the wine and tasting it. It’s a very clever way to do some virtual travel and real life wine tasting. Here’s the link to get started.

I’m partial to the 2020 Chenin Blanc from Aperture Cellars. Photo by Real Food Traveler.

Learn more about Aperture Cellars and Estate on their website.

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