Winemaker: Kirk Venge

The master winemaker for B Cellars, Kirk Venge, was just named one of the top twenty young winemakers in the world, in the October 2005 issue of Food and Wine. Kirk is the protégée son of Nils Venge, a legendary Napa Valley winemaker whose wines consistently score above 90 points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and other prestigious wine journals.

Kirk's family heritage and paternal tutelage have provided the foundation for his perfectionist tendencies, as well as his desire to become an industry leader in his own right. His experience includes an assignment at Mumm’s Napa Valley for five harvest seasons, and a season at Rapaura Vinters in Marlborough, New Zealand (before he returned to Mumm’s).

In 1999, Kirk took the plunge into his own venture with the launch of Venge Vineyards and his philosophy of "making wine in the vineyard" can be tasted in every bottle. He firmly believes that there is no substitute for absolute quality, and that commitment is evident in every aspect of his work for B Cellars. Kirk is instrumental in the company's overall winemaking strategy and works hand-in-hand with all of the vineyards with which B Cellars has become aligned.

Kirk graduated from the University of California at Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology.

Annual Production: 2,700 cases

Grape Varieties Planted

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Petite Sirah
• Sangiovese
• Syrah / Shiraz
• Viognier
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay