Maggie Kruse, 36

Winemaker, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg, CA

Patience pays off

A native of Milwaukee, Kruse’s father made beer at Miller Brewing Company, which sparked a fascination with fermentation at a young age. Family trips to California wine country made such an impression with her that she ventured to Napa Valley for college. Eventually, she attended the University of California, Davis. Kruse started at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in 2006 as an enologist, where she worked alongside long-tenured founding winemaker Rob Davis. She diligently worked her way up, and in 2019, was named head winemaker to replace Davis upon retirement. Now, Kruse manages day-to-day affairs and works closely with the vineyard team to source the winery’s two bottlings: an Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

Instagram: @jordanwinery