Jon Priest

Senior Winemaker & General Manager

Jon’s focus is on inspired winegrowing - growing grapes in the perfect place with the right conditions, creating superior wines of world class character. This intentful winemaking expresses the inherent qualities of each varietal while showcasing the unique characteristics and a defined sense of place.

"I like people to really take home a sense that we spend a lot of time in the vineyard, crafting and growing grapes so that when we bring those grapes into a winery the techniques we use gently bring out the best in them."

Jon Priest, Senior Winemaker

Education & Training

A native of the Central Coast of California, Jon began his wine career when he returned home from college and joined the legendary Wine Cask Company in Santa Barbara. This became his finishing school for wine appreciation and where he began to refine his palate. Feeling a need to gain a more hands-on connection to the vineyard and winemaking, he joined Wild Horse Winery in 1989, where he worked his way up to winemaker in 1999.  He then moved on to winemaking roles at Adelaida Cellars, Taz, and finally to Etude in 2005.  

More to Explore

  • Red Wine

    PInot Noir

    Shop wines from estate Grace Benoist Ranch in Sonoma's Los Carneros, or vineyards like Fiddlestix and North Canyon in famed growing regions of California’s Central Coast.

    Shop Pinot Noir 
  • Sparkling

    Whites & Rose

    While primarily known for its famed Pinot Noir's, Etude has been making award winning whites and rosés for as nearly as long as its been a winery.

    Shop Whites and Rose 
  • White Wine

    Cabernet

    Etude’s Cabernet Sauvignons are sourced from some of the most highly regarded winegrowers in Napa Valley including Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford, Vine Hill Ranch in Oakville, Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville, and Schoenstein Vineyard on the north end of St. Helena.

    Shop Cabernet Sauvignon