Kurt Lorenzi
Winemaker, Echelon Vineyards
Kurt Lorenzi is the winemaker responsible for continuing and building upon the heritage
of Echelon Vineyards, leading the future style and direction of these consistent,
high quality wines. Lorenzi brings many years of experience to his position, both
internationally and across several of California’s most notable winegrowing regions
including Napa Valley, Paso Robles and Mendocino County.
“My winemaking philosophy is simple and straightforward,” says Lorenzi. “Explore
California’s bountiful vineyard resources, always keeping an eye out for small,
distinctive lots of wine with great pedigree; then, craft a blend that reveals the
best each region has to offer.” His appreciation and respect for terroir, the special
characteristics bestowed on a particular plant by a combination of geography, geology,
and climate, stems from a childhood spent helping his grandfather on an artichoke
farm in Santa Cruz, California. This early education sparked a keen interest in
winemaking and distilling, and led to studies at the University of California, Davis,
where Lorenzi earned a Masters in Enology.
His first position as a new winemaker was at Chappellet Winery in Napa Valley, where
he gained a deep understanding of the impact of micro-climates on grape varieties,
exploring the distinctive flavors that developed in the wines. Eager to discover
new winegrowing regions, Lorenzi moved on to Estrella River Winery in Paso Robles,
where he helped pioneer the newly-emerging Central Coast wine region while handling
responsibilities for both vineyards and winemaking.
Always on the look-out for new challenges, in 1985 Lorenzi joined the founding team
at Jepson Winery & Distillery in Mendocino County. Kurt was the Winemaker and Master
Distiller at Jepson for fifteen years, leading the property to unique recognition
as the first in the world to develop estate wines and brandy. In 2000, he became
the Vice President of Winemaking and Sourcing at Winery Exchange and is at the helm
of winemaking for Echelon Vineyards today.
When he’s not crafting beautiful wines, Kurt spends time cycling, sailing, and skiing.
He travels for pleasure whenever possible and enjoys relaxing with a good book.