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We couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to our new Head Winemaker, Kris Kato. Kris brings 25 years of winemaking experience, including nearly two decades working with California’s coastal vineyards. Kris is no stranger to Kendall-Jackson. Since joining our team in 2014, he has played a key role in shaping our Central Coast winemaking program, helping define fresh, terroir-driven style across Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As a passionate steward of sustainability, Kris also led our efforts in SIP (Sustainability In Practice) and CCSW (California Certified Sustainable Wine) certifications.
With a deep passion for crafting wines that balance elegance, expression, and a true sense of place, Kris brings both a wealth of experience and fresh perspective as he steps into his new role leading the Kendall-Jackson winemaking team. We sat down with him for a quick Q&A to learn more about his journey, his philosophy in the cellar, and what excites him most about shaping the next chapter of Kendall-Jackson wines.
How did you get started in the wine industry, and what path did you take?
As a kid, I spent a lot of time working in my grandparent’s farm which grounded my passion for agriculture. But I never really planned on becoming a winemaker. I was born and raised in Portland and originally enrolled at Oregon State University to become a pharmacist. After a few semesters, I quickly realized that I wasn’t passionate about it but still enjoyed the sciences. I started home brewing beer with one of my best friends and that's when it clicked. I immediately switched my major to fermentation science and kept going with the chemistry and bio classes I had taken and enjoyed. The perfect blend of applied science and artistry in winemaking is what really got me hooked. I've always loved cooking and travelling and thought winemaking was a great way to enjoy both. I moved to California after graduation and started as a research assistant for Gallo. I’ve worked at various wineries throughout California and joined Jackson Family Wines in 2014 as Winemaking Director for Carmel Road. Last year was my 25th vintage and I can’t believe how fast the time goes. I feel incredibly lucky to be in this industry.
Tell us about your journey to Kendall-Jackson. Where have you been and what have you learned along the way?
I’ve worked on the Central Coast for almost 20 years and developed a true passion for cool climate winemaking, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Before joining Kendall-Jackson, I was always so impressed with the quality, expression, and consistency of the wines, they were the benchmark. When the opportunity came to work at Jackson Family Wines, it was an absolute no-brainer decision. The family’s philosophy around making world-class wines and sourcing them from amazing vineyards and regions made it that much better. I'm thrilled about the new challenge of leading Kendall-Jackson winemaking, it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'm very grateful for my work and life experiences to this point, both good and bad as they have given me a great perspective for the future. We have so many great wines and winemakers across the state of California, I really want to continue elevating and bringing awareness to Kendall-Jackson as a celebrated, iconic American winery.
Tell us about your approach to winemaking.
Working with unique vineyard sites across coastal regions has always been a core principle for Kendall-Jackson. Being able to showcase and highlight that variety and sense of place in single bottlings like our Jackson Estate collection or flagship blends like the Vintner’s Reserve wines is what makes it so gratifying. Broadly speaking, great wine can be so influential and really taps into memories and emotions. I think most people remember a wine they tried, but more importantly, they remember where they were, who they were with, and what they were doing. Wine makes life better and it’s all about bringing enjoyment. Nothing beats sharing great wine and having some good laughs with friends or family and knowing there are people around the world enjoying something you made is beyond words.
Speaking of, do you remember the first time you tried Kendall-Jackson? Tell us about it.
Throughout my career, Kendall-Jackson has been the benchmark and a constant reference point as a winemaker. I do remember the first time I saw Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay in the market. It must have been in the late 2000’s and my first time in Dallas working for a competitor at the time. It was a Tuesday around noon at a high-end restaurant; I was there to present my wines. There was a large group of 10-12 wine buyers having lunch, all dressed to the nines, laughing and having a great time. On the table were multiple bottles of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay and I remember thinking, “I totally get it now”.
Describe what Kendall-Jackson means to you.
Legacy. Icon. Quality. Those all come to mind when I think about Kendall-Jackson. K-J is a true unicorn and synonymous with quality throughout the wine world. It's one of the most influential brands in our industry and everyone knows when you see Kendall-Jackson on the label it will be of the highest quality. The vision and passion of Jess and the Jackson family helped set the stage for long-term success. It's amazing to look at all the brands that have come and gone over the past 40 years and yet K-J is still on top and leading the charge. The fact our Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay has been America’s # 1 Chardonnay for over 30 years is incredible and I'm honored to carry the torch forward.
What are you most excited about in your new role as Head Winemaker?
This is an incredible honor. The opportunity to craft one of the most iconic wineries is a rare opportunity in the wine world and a defining moment for me. There have only been a few head winemakers in Kendall-Jackson’s history, so being part of that legacy is very special. As both a wine consumer and a winemaker, Kendall-Jackson has something for everyone—from small production wines to wines you can find everywhere. I’ve never seen a winery do both so well, and quality at scale is a true distinction.
I feel grateful to have worked alongside Randy Ullom for more than a decade, learning from him as he championed K-J for 30 years. Stepping into this role, I’m inspired by the incredible team I now have the privilege to lead— from our winemaking and vineyard team to the sales, marketing, and DTC teams who bring Kendall-Jackson to life every day. It’s truly an honor to carry this forward with such talented people by my side.
When it comes to an iconic winery like Kendall-Jackson, how do you balance tradition and innovation?
Kendall-Jackson has long set the benchmark for American wine. Honoring the craft and tradition while always focusing on quality is what got us here and we can never lose sight of that. As we continue to evolve, I’m committed to crafting wines that are made thoughtfully, with care for both the land and the people who enjoy them. We're always looking at ways to innovate and introduce new wines that will help us reach new consumers. The core varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc will always be our primary focus but we are excited about our new wines like Chenin Blanc and Sparkling Brut Cuvée. These wines are fresh and exciting but have the Kendall-Jackson signature mark of quality and excellent taste.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the vineyards or in the wine cellar?
I enjoy staying active and being outside, usually hiking, golfing, or on my mountain bike. I like to cook and travel and look forward to doing more of both. My extended family is big and super competitive, so we are always doing fun stuff together like family vacations, golfing, and bowling. I love spending time with my twin daughters and usually find us eating, gaming, watching movies or the latest anime. I'm a big Portland Trailblazers fan and really becoming an F1 fanatic, so attending a race is definitely on my bucket list!
Name your top five K-J Wines you are drinking now.
In no particular order, I am really enjoying:
- Grand Reserve Cabernet
- Jackson Estate Sable Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay
- Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
- Jackson Estate Three Vistas Chardonnay
- Jackson Estate Outland Ridge Pinot Noir
What Kendall-Jackson wine would you recommend to someone who says they’re “not a wine person”?
Remember, nobody starts out as a wine person, it's something that develops over time. But I am going with Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir. It has those fresh red fruit flavors and aromas with some really nice hints from the oak. Lower tannins, nice and soft style so you can have a glass on its own or pair with a variety of foods.
Describe your perfect or most unexpected food & wine pairing.
Ha! I am going to keep this one fun and go the unexpected route. This past year at the NBA All-Star Kendall-Jackson hosted a wine and Ruffles potato chip tasting. I was skeptical for sure, but after tasting them together, the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay with the Ruffles sour cream and onion chips was spot on! Now I am hungry and thirsty.
Ok, last question for now: If you could teach everyone just one thing about wine, what would it be?
Building off the last question: drink what you like and don't worry about what you are “supposed to” pair wines with. Explore what flavors and textures you gravitate towards and experiment with food. Wine can be extremely intimidating, but it should be fun, enjoyable, and life-enhancing. That’s the K-J way!
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Randy Passes the Torch
Over 30 years ago, Randy Ullom joined Kendall-Jackson, forever changing the face of California Chardonnay. After three decades at the helm, the most famous mustache in winemaking is taking a step back. As Kris Kato officially takes the reins as Head Winemaker, Randy will step into a new role as Winery Ambassador.
