Winemaker
Brenden Wood
- Discipline
- Winemaker
- Based in
- Paso Robles, California, United States
i. Biography
Coming Up
A biochemistry degree from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in 1999 gave Brenden Wood a technical frame before he spent years inside the cellar. That background matters in winemaking: it trains the eye toward structure, process, and the small changes that decide whether a lot stays clean, stable, and on style. At J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, the work built in stages. Brenden Wood started as lab technician at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (2004–2007), moved into enology at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (2007–2010), and then spent nearly a decade as assistant winemaker at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (2010–2019). Each role extended the same discipline in a different register: lab precision, technical evaluation, and day-to-day production judgment. By the time he was named red winemaker in 2019, Brenden Wood had already accumulated the practical range that red programs demand. Since then, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines (since 2019) has placed him in the role of red winemaker, where continuity of style and consistency across vintages sit at the center of the job.
Where They Are Now
Since 2019, red winemaking at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has been Brenden Wood’s remit. The work asks for close attention to detail: holding the house character steady while making the decisions that shape each vintage.
Signature
Brenden's signature wines include J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon, J. Lohr 2022 “Gesture GSM, J. Lohr 2021 Red Blend “Cuvee POM, and J. Lohr 2021 Red Blend “Cuvee St. E. the list shows the range of the red program he works within: Cabernet Sauvignon alongside blended wines, all under the J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines label.
Honors
The milestone worth noting is the sequence itself: a 1999 biochemistry degree, then years of work at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, then appointment as red winemaker in 2019. For a cellar career, that kind of progression is the record.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Brenden
What is Brenden Wood's current role?
As of 2026, Brenden Wood is Red Winemaker.
Where did Brenden Wood train or study?
Brenden Wood trained at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly).
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