"We're not making year-to-year decisions—we're making generational decisions. And that feels like the only just way to treat and respect all of the efforts that have preceded us." – Jason Kesner
Today’s guest is Jason Kesner, the longtime winemaker of Kistler Vineyards, one of California’s most esteemed producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Having worked alongside founder Steve Kistler for nearly two decades—first as his only assistant, then as his successor—Jason has played a central role in stewarding the estate through one of the most important transitions in its history.
In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation influenced by Rick Rubin, Jason speaks candidly about legacy, patience, and what it means to play the long game in a flashy valley that seems to be forgetting its humble farming roots. Despite the uncertainties facing California wine today, Jason remains deeply optimistic about the next generation of growers, the enduring power of Mother Nature, and the idea that wine, at its best, connects people to something larger than themselves.
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