Jesse Inman
Winemaker Profile
Jesse Inman- Co-Winemaker
A native of northern California, Jesse Inman was bit by the winemaking bug early in life, thanks to his uncle August “Joe” Briggs, founder and winemaker of August Briggs Wines.
“I’ve been trailing my uncle around in vineyards and cellars as long as I can remember,” says Jesse. “He’s a phenomenal winemaker and mentor.”
His passion for wine reached new heights when Jesse was in college. “I studied fine art/graphic design both here and in London, and supported myself by working as a waiter in fine restaurants. It’s where I developed my palate, and my appreciation for wines of balance and sense of place character.”
In 2006, after years of helping out as needed, Jesse joined August Briggs Winery as Assistant Winemaker. Over the next few years, Jesse honed his craft; working at the winery by day and studying viticulture at night.
In 2010, Joe Briggs sold August Briggs Wines to Jesse and a partnership of three, long-time employees; staying on in a consulting role, as needed. In 2011, the team transferred operations to a new tasting room facility located in downtown Calistoga, just 2 miles from the former winery. “We’re thrilled,” says Jesse, “to have found the perfect location, right in the heart of downtown Calistoga, to launch the next chapter of August Briggs Wines.”
When he's not producing August Briggs Wines and Jeff Gordon Collection Wines, Jesse enjoys mountain biking, painting, playing music and spending time with his son, Alexander.
