Joey Wolosz

Vintner and Founder, Gentleman Farmer

A native Californian, Joey Wolosz and his family lived on the California Central Coast, where his parents acquired two motels: El Patio Motel and They Wayside Motel. This early introduction to food, wine, and hospitality fueled his passion for the lifestyle, leading him to a college degree in travel, food, and wine.

In the spring of 1999, Joey met his future life partner, Jeff Durham. Both holding bachelor’s degrees in Hotel & Restaurant Management and a wealth of experience working in food, wine, and travel, their fateful connection fueled the start of a fruitful life together. They began their winemaking journey in the fall of 1999 in a garage in St. Helena with a half ton of fruit from a small vineyard off Zinfandel Lane and the guidance of a local winemaker.

With the 2005 vintage, Joey and Jeff founded the Napa Valley winery, while keeping a culinary context. As a UC Davis Certified Winemaker and a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the Society of Wine Educators, his formal wine education is complemented by certificates with distinction from the London based Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in Levels 2 and 3 (formerly Intermediate and Advanced). Currently, he allocates his study time to complete the Diploma program, the highest certification from the WSET.

Joey’s winemaking mission has been deeply inspired by personal loss. In short succession, he experienced a series of family deaths starting with his brother in 1999, followed by his sister, and mother, just before his father went into assisted living. Winemaking became a therapeutic outlet. As a longtime home cook, Joey fell in love with wine because of its tactile creative process and rewarding results. Furthermore, wine provided the means to forge meaningful and lasting relationships with likeminded people who appreciate culture and artisanship.

Jeff Durham

Vintner, Gentleman Farmer Wines

Born and raised in Napa, California, Jeff Durham is a self-proclaimed “product of the valley.” His Napa Valley roots were planted in the early 1980’s, when his family began farming grapes in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll region. His father planted 22 acres on Big Ranch Road where he and his siblings worked after school, on weekend, and during vacations, instilling a sense of responsibility as they learned vineyard management, trellising, pruning, and harvest. Wine brought Jeff full circle, back to Yountville and the Napa Valley giving him a true understanding of the T.S. Elliot quote, “…to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time.”

At the early age of 16, Jeff’s hotel and hospitality experience was kickstarted as a busboy. After years of hands-on experience, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from California Polytechnic University.

In the spring of 1999, Jeff met his future life partner, Joey Wolosz. Both holding bachelor’s degrees in Hotel & Restaurant Management and a wealth of experience working in food, wine, and travel, their fateful connection fueled the start of a fruitful life together. They began their winemaking journey in fall of 1999 in a garage in St. Helena with a half ton of fruit from a small vineyard off Zinfandel Lane and the guidance of a local winemaker. They started by sourcing grapes from local vineyards, and have now expanded to some of the most exciting sustainable sites in Oak Knoll, St. Helena, and the Russian River Valley in Sonoma Coast. 

Jeff is a founding member of the Humboldt County Tourism Improvement District (TBID) and is currently on the board of the California Association of Boutique and Breakfast Inns. Jeff also finds ways to make real changes in his community. After his six-year tenure as a city councilman for the Town of Yountville, Jeff now pens a weekly activist newsletter The Yountvillian, which covers community news, information, activities, food, wine, and culture.

Jeff enjoys sharing his vast knowledge about hospitality and hotel management with others and building relationships. He has a shrewd eye for design and loves repurposing unique artwork and family heirlooms into stunning conversation pieces in the Yountville home he shares with Joe. A life-long learner, he recently picked up the clarinet, which helps him achieve his core goal - to laugh every day, trying not to take life too seriously.