A Press Release from Rutherford Hill Winery about their new Winemaker. Find out more about Rutherford Hill Winery here
"We are delighted to announce that Rutherford Hill Winery has appointed industry veteran Stephanie Jacobs as its new Winemaker. Stephanie’s extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable assets as we uphold Rutherford Hill’s 50-year commitment to crafting world-class wines.
With over 20 years of winemaking experience, including two decades at Cakebread Cellars, Stephanie has demonstrated exceptional expertise in all aspects of the winemaking process. At Cakebread, she managed every key facet of winemaking, from viticultural recommendations and harvest operations to blending, fermentation, and inventory management. She led a team of six direct reports and oversaw 12 indirect reports and 16 seasonal staff members, demonstrating her ability to effectively manage complex operations and guide diverse teams toward a common goal.
Stephanie’s ability to collaborate cross-functionally, her strategic vision for growing wine programs, and her commitment to excellence have earned her enormous respect within the industry. We are confident that her leadership and technical expertise will continue to enhance the exceptional quality that Rutherford Hill Winery is known for.
In addition to her professional achievements, Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Science from the University of California, Davis (2000), and a Wine Business Management Certificate from Sonoma State University (2021). Her commitment to both education and industry development has been a key factor in her success.
Stephanie’s work has earned recognition from prestigious industry publications. One of her most notable achievements is the 100-point rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate for the Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon!
Her outstanding contributions extend beyond winemaking as she has developed strong relationships with industry critics, journalists, and influencers, serving as a respected brand spokesperson at both company-sponsored and industry events.
Stephanie’s stated mission is to “craft remarkable, ageworthy wines, bringing pleasure and comfort to every table that’s host to a good life.”
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Stephanie Jacobs as she begins this exciting new chapter with our team. We look forward to seeing Rutherford Hill's continued growth and success under her guidance."