Chris Kenefick
Primarily growing up in the Bay Area, Chris Kenefick savored his regular weekend visits to the ranch. Chris had not yet been born when his father bought the ranch in 1980, so he wasn’t old enough yet to drink the first vintages made from the ranch’s fruit. As the years went on and Chris’s father, Tom, relocated full time to Calistoga in 2000, Chris started to grow a deep appreciation and respect for the area and what his father was trying to accomplish. By the time he became of legal age, he was already interested in the world of viticulture, and was impressed by what high-level, sophisticated wines his family had been able to produce. ”They lived up to everything I’d heard about them, and they’ve informed the way I drink other wines, as well.”
Chris attended the University of Denver for Hospitality Management and started working in the luxury hotel world after graduating in 2010. In the summer of 2016, Chris left his hospitality career to follow his passion for wine. From 2016 to 2021, Chris mainly focused on the national sales of Kenefick Ranch wines, while also learning all aspects of the business on both the vineyard and winery side. In 2021, after the passing of Chris's father, he took over as CEO, Second Generation Proprietor of Kenefick Ranch Vineyard & Winery.
"What started as a passion project for my dad became a second career late in his life. Walking the property, you can see the level of pride he took in the vineyard. I'm excited to continue that level of dedication to our property and our wines so that we can pass it o n for generations to come."
Charity Organization: Napa Valley Farmworkers Foundation “The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation helps look after and support the most important thing in the valley, the vineyard workers. Without the support and hard work of the vineyard workers, Napa wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Favorite Current Wine: 2021 Merlot "Since we released this vintage it’s been my go-to wine for easy drinking or to pair with food. This vintage has shown a lot of fresh red fruit characteristics on the palate which makes it easy to enjoy on it’s own but has also paired great with many summer and fall dishes"