If you ask Jake Terrell what brought him to St. Francis, he’ll tell you it’s our commitment to sustainable practices. Jake manages the farming of our 400 acres of Certified Sustainable Estate Vineyards, overseeing all aspects of vineyard life required to maintain healthy vines and ensure the highest quality fruit.

Jake’s philosophy on managing St. Francis’ estate vineyards is two-part. He farms the vineyards with an eye towards making the wine, so quality is key to everything he does. “I have the same goals as the winemakers and the entire team at St. Francis,” Jake says. “We’re all working together to make the best wines that reflect Sonoma’s unique, diverse terroir all while taking care of our employees and the environment.” Secondly, do the right things at the right times.  “If canopy management is timed correctly the vines cooperate perfectly.”

Jake joined St. Francis in 2014 after nearly nine years as a vineyard manager at E. & J. Gallo Winery. For five of those years, he managed the acclaimed Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma’s Moon Mountain appellation. Before coming to Sonoma, he spent over three years as vineyard manager at Justin Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles.

Jake graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business and a focus on Viticulture.  A recognized leader in “green” viticulture, Jake assisted in revising the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices, which sets standards for sustainable practices in the wine industry.  He is also a home winemaker.

Jake loves variety. Managing day-to-day operations in the vineyards—his dog, Willie, always by his side—Jake’s duties change daily depending on the needs of each vineyard, the weather, and the time of year.