Meet the Team
Aaron Miller,Winemaker
Aaron Miller has been at the helm of PlumpJack's winemaking efforts since since 2012. A California native, Miller originally set his sights on medical school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis. However, an eye-opening internship in an ER led him to rethink his path.
During his time at UC Davis, Miller discovered the university's renowned enology program and pivoted to pursue a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology. He gained valuable experience working at the acclaimed Tignanello in Italy and RimuGrove in New Zealand, as well as at Napa Valley wineries, including Pine Ridge, Lewis Cellars, and Groth.
Miller's dedication and passion for crafting Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon has earned PlumpJack multiple 100-point scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Cortney Zolezzi,Assistant Winemaker
Assistant Winemaker Cortney Zolezzi joined PlumpJack Estate as an enologist in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks to her current role. Growing up in Linden, California, surrounded by cherry, peach, and walnut orchards, Cortney formalized her background at Fresno State University, where she discovered that winemaking combines her two passions: science and agriculture.
Cortney honed her skills at Sonoma's renowned Lynmar Estate and at Indevin, a specialty custom crush winery in New Zealand, where she worked with a range of grape varieties and styles. Before PlumpJack Estate, she also crafted wine at its sister winery in the Stags Leap District, Odette Estate.
"The passion and enthusiasm for the property was contagious," she says about her first experience at PlumpJack. "I knew I had found my home."
Principals
John Conover
General Manager
Gordon Getty
Founder
Gavin Newsom
Founder
