Jake is a Mendocino native that was raised on his family’s grape and pear farm. After graduating with a degree in Vineyard & Winery Technology from Napa Valley College he spent a harvest at Chappellet Winery. Since then, he has been working at his family-owned custom crush winery, Yokayo Wine Company, in Ukiah, CA. Jake has been fortunate enough to train under Yokayo’s General Manager and Director of Winemaking, David Rosenthal and Yokayo CEO Bill Pauli for nearly a decade. During that time Jake has not only expanded his winemaking knowledge but also gained a deep understanding of the bulk wine market. Dealing with a vast array of clients and winemaking styles has been a dream come true. Jake also started a personal wine Label, JEP Wines, in 2019 with his wife Mikaila.