Applied for a "Warm Body" Job 1995. Now He Runs a World-Class Winery Pt. 1-9

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Tonight's Episode

Justin Ennis, Senior Director of Winemaking for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Sonoma County, responsible for the Sonoma Coast wines under the Freestone brand — a role he's held for 20 years. Justin shares how he grew up surrounded by vineyards, with a wine-loving grandfather on one side and a family vineyard in Healdsburg's Russian River on the other, yet never considered wine a career until his stepfather (then at Kendall-Jackson's Hartford Court) suggested harvest intern work. His first vintage was 1995 under winemaker Dan Goldfield, doing the unglamorous cellar-rat work: power washing, punch downs, barrel cleaning. The revelation? Working alongside interns from Portugal, France, and Australia through the CAEP agricultural exchange visa program — and realizing winemaking could be his passport to the wider world.

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Key Takeaways

Justin Ennis has been Senior Director of Winemaking at Joseph Phelps Vineyards for 20 years, overseeing Sonoma Coast wines under the Freestone brand.
He started in wine as a harvest intern in 1995 doing cellar work like power washing and barrel cleaning under winemaker Dan Goldfield.
Working with international interns from Portugal, France, and Australia through the CAEP agricultural exchange visa program inspired him to pursue winemaking as a career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Justin Ennis's current role?

Senior Director of Winemaking for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Sonoma County, responsible for Sonoma Coast wines under the Freestone brand.

How long has Justin held his current position?

20 years.

What was Justin's first vintage year in winemaking?

1995.

Who was the winemaker Justin worked under as an intern?

Dan Goldfield.

What family connection did Justin have to wine before becoming a winemaker?

He grew up surrounded by vineyards, with a wine-loving grandfather on one side and a family vineyard in Healdsburg's Russian River on the other.