Jesse Katz starts each celebrity wine project from scratch. “Everything I do is custom,” the founder of the Sonoma County winery Aperture told WWD. The process, he explained, begins with getting to know the individual he is working with: “The label is a collaboration tying the brands of both the winery and the individual together. The wines are sometimes blended with the client, or sometimes I make the wine after talking to the individual and getting a better understanding of what they love to eat, drink, taste, etc.”
Over the years, Aperture’s roster of collaborators has welcomed Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Ellen DeGeneres, Von Miller, Reggie Jackson, the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Lakers, among others. Katz’s goal is to reflect both the client’s intention and the occasion, whether it’s a wedding, a championship or a cause. “The wine I make for a wedding celebration, compared to one that will be gifted after winning a Super Bowl or made to raise money for a charity, all have a different intention and time it will be enjoyed,” he said.
When working with high-profile clients, Katz, who became known for his Bordeaux-style blends, also prioritizes purpose and authenticity. He selects projects based on the level of engagement everyone shows in the process. “I have been very intentional on who I have decided to work with and have always ensured the final product is just as unique and special as the collaboration, taking no shortcuts,” he said.
You May Also Like
Sometimes, the requests are surprising. “An artist (I cannot name) asked me if I would trade a barrel of wine for my dream watch. I made it happen,” he said.
One of Katz’s most memorable experiences was making wine for Biel and Timberlake’s wedding in 2012. “Collaborating with Jessica and her family has been inspiring because, with any great collaboration, they bring a new perspective on how to look at every detail in the art we are all making together,” he said.
The winemaker has been friends with Biel’s family for over 20 years, and was also the best man at the actress’ brother Justin Biel’s wedding, for which he created the Prophet and Poet wine. “Getting to stand by his side as he was getting married, along with creating the first vintage of what has now turned into its own brand, was very powerful for me,” he said.
When asked about dream collaborations, he listed names from music and art, including Mick Jagger and RZA, but said, “It’s not just about artists, it’s about creative integrity, mood and message. I want to work with people who think about culture and impact, the way I think about wine.”
Another dream project would be creating a wine for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. “This would make my wife extremely happy, and I really do enjoy making wine for love,” he said. “I could do something really unique with that blend!”
Son of renowned photographer Andy Katz, the Aperture founder built his brand by blending art and lifestyle with winemaking. “I feel very fortunate that I have been able to observe how great wines have been made throughout the world in a lot of different styles, climates, regions, soils, etc., from my childhood following around my photographer father who was doing books all over the world on wine to my professional career,” he said. “Because I was introduced to wine in my early teens through my father’s artwork, the sense of place and artistic approach has always been indoctrinated in me.”
On Sept. 27, Aperture will launch a new series, the Collage Tasting Experience, featuring two wines crafted from Sonoma’s terroirs. To mark the launch, the winery will host a one-day collaboration with SingleThread Farm, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Healdsburg. Following the kickoff event, Aperture will continue the Collage Tasting Experience, starting Oct. 2 at the Aperture Estate, with an ongoing series featuring rotating local purveyors, artisans and performers. Other wines are available at aperture-cellars.com, with prices varying from $35 to $250.