Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 26, 2026

Aaron Pott

Aaron Pott is an American winemaker known for his work in both California and France. He has held winemaking and leadership roles at wineries in Napa Valley and Saint-Émilion and is the co-founder of Pott Wine.

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Jun 26, 2026
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Aaron Pott
Born
Aaron Pott

(1966-10-18) October 18, 1966
Eugene, Oregon
EducationUniversity of California, Davis
OccupationWinemaker
Known forWinemaking; Napa Valley wines
SpouseClaire Pott
Children2
WebsitePottwine.com

Aaron Pott is an American winemaker known for his work in both California and France. He has held winemaking and leadership roles at wineries in Napa Valley and Saint-Émilion and is the co-founder of Pott Wine.1

Early life and education

Pott developed an early interest in wine during his youth, which led him to pursue formal studies in oenology. He attended the University of California, Davis, where he studied winemaking and gained practical experience working in the research laboratory at the Robert Mondavi Winery.2 He later continued his education in France, earning a master's degree in viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon.3

Career

Following his graduation, Pott began his professional career as an assistant winemaker at Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley, where he worked under winemaker John Kongsgaard. During this time, he was introduced to French consultant Michel Rolland.4

Pott subsequently moved to Saint-Émilion, where he became winemaker at Château Troplong-Mondot, a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate. After approximately one year, he joined Château La Tour Figeac, also a Grand Cru Classé estate, where he served as winemaker and general manager for five years.5

After six years in France, Pott returned to the United States and joined Beringer Wine Estates in Napa Valley as a winemaker. He collaborated with European winemakers, including Jean-Louis Mandrau and André Porcheret.6

In 2004, Pott was appointed winemaker and general manager at Quintessa Estate in Napa Valley.7

Pott Wine and consulting

In 2007, Pott co-founded Pott Wine with his wife, Claire Pott. The Napa Valley-based label produces wines sourced in part from the couple’s vineyard property on Mount Veeder.8 He also established Huis Clos Consulting, through which he has advised a number of Napa Valley producers.910

His consulting clients have included Blackbird Vineyards, Seven Stones Winery, Greer Wines, Perliss Vineyards, St. Helena Winery, and Fe Vineyards.11

Other ventures

In 2024, Pott teamed up with Napa Valley vintner Stephanie Honig to create Missing Thorn, a premium de-alcoholized wine.1213

Personal Life

Pott lives in Napa Valley with his wife, Claire, and their two children, Tosca and Isolde Pott.

Awards

References

References

  1. Davis, Chelsea. "The Future Of Wine: Aaron Pott And The Rise Of Non-Alcoholic Elegance". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2025-07-20. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  2. Bent, Adam (2026-02-05). "A Napa Valley Winemaker Focused on Craft, Family, and the Beauty of Doing Things Slowly". International Business Times. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  3. "A Frantic, High-Stakes Day in the Life of Napa's Wine Whisperer". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2025-09-01. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  4. "Spotlight on Aaron Pott". thewineindependent.com.
  5. "Insider Interviews by David Furer - Presenting Aaron Pott". San Francisco Wine School. Retrieved 2026-04-07.
  6. "Aging Natural Wine in Amphora and Barrel". www.winebusiness.com. Retrieved 2026-04-07.
  7. White, Kelli (2015-03-01). "Site Effects". Robb Report. Retrieved 2026-04-07.
  8. Lander, Jess (2025-02-10). "Can California winemakers finally legitimize this flailing beverage?". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  9. "Top Wines of 2011" (PDF). Purely Domestic Wine Report. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  10. "Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley". Wines. Bespoke Collection. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  11. Asimov, Eric (2025-03-28). "Why Is It So Hard to Find a Good Nonalcoholic Wine?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  12. "Wine, With or Without Alcohol?". Wine Spectator.
  13. Release, Press (2025-04-16). "Missing Thorn Non-Alcoholic Wine Achieves 300% Growth, Garners New York Times Praise, and Expands Internationally". Wine Industry Advisor. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  14. Isle, Ray. "Winemakers of the Year: 2012". Food & Wine. Archived from the original on 27 December 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
External links