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It is though many steps in Jonah Waldman’s life led him
to wine making. While growing up in Los Olivos, Jonah
familiarized himself with the science of wine. His
list of chores around the house included taking care of the
family fruit trees and grapevines, and working in the garden
where he honed his palate for fresh fruit. Frequent
visits by his grandfather led to experimentation in wine
making from the family grapevines. Wine was frequently
enjoyed around the family dinner table, although it was his
first job as a busboy that truly sparked an interest in wine.
It was at the Ballard Store Restaurant, where Jonah met Andre Tchellicheff. Listening to Chef John and Andre describe wine and even getting a small sip was the beginning of his wine edification.
In college, Jonah studied Geology and Soil Science. He had no idea that his life would lead him towards wine, and followed early teachings several times in some of his career choices.
During a surfing sabbatical to New Zealand and Australia in early 2001, Jonah landed a part time harvest job with Montana/Brancott Winery. Even though it was hard work, he felt an immense satisfaction that led to his interest in wine production. |
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After returning back to the States, Jonah was hired at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe as Wine Steward. He enjoyed opening numerous bottles of wine and relished the experience of each bottle, each region, and each vineyard. Jonah returned home to the Santa Ynez Valley where he worked with Los Olivos Café and Wine Merchant learning, and selling Central Coast wines. With his renewed passion for the Central Coast, he was quickly hired on as cellar master with Rideau Vineyards under wine maker Ariel Lavie. Jonah learned a lot about organic grape growing and sustainable farming practices while at Rideau, where he worked his way up to assistant winemaker helping to produce many award winning wines.
Later, hired by Jeff Newton at Coastal Vineyard Care, he acquainted himself with the various small geographic areas of the valley. He worked personally with many vintners and learned their stylistic approaches to viticulture and enology ensuring production of quality fruit during the difficult 2005 vintage. He and Doug Margerum worked closely, at many of these vineyards.
Jonah missed the creative and experimental end of wine making. He hired on with Margerum Wine Company as assistant wine maker/vineyard liaison in early 2006. His lifelong science experiment continues with the small team where each day brings something different. |
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