Randy Kewell Biography from Keenan Winery

Randy's early winemaking "education" began in the early 1980s when he worked for one of Napa Valley's unique wine bottling services. Courses on winemaking at Napa Valley College followed and lead to a position at Lake Spring Winery in Yountville where he became the assistant winemaker, managing all cellar responsibilities, from harvest to bottling for more than seven years. In January of 1995, Randy joined the team at Keenan Winery; today he is the Cellar Master for the winery, responsible for supervising the day--to--day winemaking operations.

Randy appreciates the team effort at Keenan and works closely with both Michael Keenan and General Manager Matt Gardner to ensure the Napa Merlot wines are carefully tended from the arrival of fruit at the winery during harvest, through fermentation and barrel aging, and finally, overseeing the mobile bottling operation. He participates in winery blending trials and welcomes the chance to offer his observations. "I love the freedom to 'make it happen' and the opportunity to express my skill as a valued member of the Keenan team the excellence of Keenan wines is a result of our combined effort."

Michael Keenan favors a minimal approach to winemaking and Randy concurs wholeheartedly, prefering to encourage the 'grapes to do the talking,' crafting a more naturally, balanced winemaking style. He has a great respect for the Spring Mountain estate and strives to allow the beauty and essence of the mountainside vineyards to shine in the Keenan wines. Randy is also delighted with the quality of the fruit sourced from choice Napa Valley vineyard for other wines in the Keenan portfolio, believing that quality grapes make the difference in fine winemaking.

Randy is engaged to Cindy Koeler and plans to be married in 2014; the couple lives in Santa Rosa. Randy has two sons, Chris, 17, and Terry, 20. Both sons work alongside their father at Keenan Winery during the summer.

When Randy's not working at Keenan, he loves visiting Sea Ranch on the California coast, where he spends time fishing and taking long, leisurely nature walks.

About: Robert Keenan winery produces nearly 14,000 cases per year. The reputation of the Keenan Merlots was solidified in 1988 when tastings of the Keenan Merlots against the world famous Petrus wines (Merlots) resulted in a virtual draw.

Robert Keenan Winery combines both the art and science of winemaking with a relentless passion for producing fine Napa Valley Wines for your enjoyment. From using only the finest grapes to the Portuguese cork in the bottle, the Keenan commitment to quality is consistent. The wine is testament to these efforts. One taste and you will note the Keenan difference. However, why limit yourself to only one taste?