Todd Kohn

Todd Kohn, an accomplished winemaker at Wayfarer, has a story deeply intertwined with the rich wine culture of Northern California. His journey in the wine industry is marked by dedication, learning, and a deep connection to the land.

Born and raised in Redding, a quaint town in Northern California, Kohn’s early life was spent a mere three-hour drive from the famed Sonoma wine region. This proximity to one of America’s wine hubs undoubtedly played a role in shaping his future career. Kohn’s academic path further solidified his trajectory towards winemaking; he graduated from the University of California, Davis, a prestigious institution known for its programs in Viticulture and Enology. Here, his fascination with science and a hands-on approach to learning found a perfect match.

Kohn’s foray into the professional wine world began with an internship at Schramsberg, a renowned California sparkling wine producer. It was during this formative period that he developed a passion for winemaking, particularly appreciating the rigor and dedication required during the harvest season. He further honed his skills through various internships, gaining a well-rounded understanding of viticulture, laboratory practices, and cellar management.

His expertise grew through stints at several top-tier Napa Valley wineries, including the prestigious Opus One. However, it was his time at Moorooduc Estate in Australia’s Mornington Peninsula region that provided him with invaluable insights into the production of world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This experience was instrumental in preparing him for his future role at Wayfarer.

Kohn joined the Wayfarer team at the start of 2013 as an assistant. For five years, he worked closely with the Consulting Winemaker, playing a key role in shaping the vineyard’s practices and winemaking techniques. His dedication and skill were recognized in December 2017 when he was appointed as the head Winemaker at Wayfarer. Under his stewardship, Wayfarer has continued to produce exceptional wines, reflecting both the unique characteristics of their vineyards and Kohn’s meticulous approach to winemaking.