Courtney Robinett Wagoner

Courtney Robinett Wagoner’s journey to becoming the acclaimed winemaker at Martinelli Winery is a testament to the power of passion intersecting with destiny. Born and raised in what was once the quaint town of Morgan Hill, California, her early aspirations leaned towards a career in the food industry, spurred by its diversity and the universal necessity of food. However, her path took a serendipitous turn during her years at California State Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo, where she majored in Food Science beginning in 1998. It was a course entitled “Wines and Fermented Foods” that first unveiled the intricate world of winemaking to Courtney, marking the beginning of a lifelong affair with the art and science of fermentation.

Courtney’s academic interest quickly blossomed into a profound passion, as she recognized winemaking as the perfect amalgamation of science and artistry—a blend that resonated with her own identity. Her scientific curiosity was well nurtured through her studies, while her artistic side, evident in her active participation in various musical groups during her high school and college years, found a new expression in the craft of winemaking.

Heeding the advice of a professor to gain hands-on experience, Courtney embarked on her first foray into the industry with an internship at Artesa Winery in Napa in 2001. This pivotal experience not only solidified her decision to pursue winemaking as a career but also paved the way for her subsequent role at Wild Horse Winery in Paso Robles, where she further honed her skills in both the lab and the cellar.

Upon graduating in 2003, Courtney’s burgeoning expertise and passion led her back to Artesa, where she delved deeper into the nuances of cool-climate wines, clones, and the production of sparkling wines. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to explore various facets of winemaking drove her to Sonoma’s Gundlach Bundshu Winery in 2005, and later, to Alderbrook Winery in Healdsburg in 2007. At Alderbrook, she played a critical role in a small, dedicated team, immersing herself in all aspects of the winemaking process. Her efforts culminated in the creation of the 2010 Terlato Pinot Noir, which won the prestigious 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Red Sweepstakes Winner.

The sale of Alderbrook Winery in late 2013 marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Courtney. After a brief hiatus, she joined Martinelli Winery in 2015 as Assistant Winemaker, a role that quickly evolved into that of Winemaker by late 2017. At Martinelli, Courtney’s affinity for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, coupled with her expertise in vinifying cool climate grapes, made her an invaluable asset. Her dedication to crafting wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Martinelli Family’s diverse vineyards is not just a professional commitment but a personal one, honoring the family’s deep-rooted connection to the land and its rich legacy.

Beyond the vineyards and cellars, Courtney’s life is enriched by the joys of motherhood, sharing her home in Windsor with her two daughters, Samantha and Sydney. Her journey from a small town girl with an interest in food science to a renowned winemaker is a narrative of determination, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Courtney Robinett Wagoner’s story is not just about making wine; it’s about embracing one’s passions, pursuing them with heart and expertise, and ultimately, crafting a legacy that transcends the bottles produced, echoing in the lives touched by her work.