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Our Winemaker

John Killebrew
Winemaker 

John Killebrew, a multi-talented musician in a parallel life, was Havens' assistant winemaker for four years before being named co-winemaker in . He's become a critical contributor to the blends that result in Havens consistent, complex wines. John can be most often found in the lab, but together with Mike, Cruz and Jose, works the rest of the cellar from racking, cooperage, and crisis duties that might arise.

John graduated from U.C. Davis with a degree in enology and viticulture in 1988. As a kid, he had great aspirations of becoming a cowboy/contractor/artist/muscian/ videographer/geologist, but landed on his feet as enologist at Havens. Havens gives him “magical powers” he claims, and his favorite part of the job is “pulling into the parking lot.”

John's multi-winery past allows him to bring imaginative solutions to the practical problems of a winery. He knows how to get it done (and provide a running commentary on the secret life just beneath the surface of the obvious).

 Favorite recipe with Havens wine: steamed mussels with Albariño. Start by boiling water. . .