Kirk Venge, winemaker
Second-generation winemaker Kirk Venge grew up in the Napa
Valley. At his father's side, he learned about farming and winemaking, feeling
at home in the cellar at an early age. While pursuing his enology degree at the
University of California at Davis, Venge worked at Mumm Napa Valley for five
years in their experimental division. Upon graduation, Venge sought to expand
his winemaking knowledge by traveling to New Zealand and working harvest in the
southern hemisphere. Equipped with a broader sense of viticultural techniques,
Venge returned to Napa to partner with his father in the creation of Venge
Vineyards. Today, Venge brings his skill and passion to Macauley Vineyard.
Those who know Kirk Venge will attest to his acute palate. His wines reflect
balance and finesse. Because Kirk believes that wines are made in the vineyard,
he is relentless in his quest to find the very best vineyard locations and
sources of fruit.
