Knights Bridge Winery Promotes Derek Baljeu To Assistant Winemaker
Knights Bridge, a family-owned winery in the pristine Knights Valley appellation of Sonoma County announced the promotion of Derek Baljeu to Assistant Winemaker. In his new role, Baljeu will help manage vineyard and winery production operations under the direction of Director of Winemaking, Douglas Danielak.
- San Francisco, CA (1888PressRelease) February 11, 2021 - Baljeu joined Knights Bridge in 2019 as Enologist and Wine Production Manager following three years at Trinchero Family Estates, within the Luxury Portfolio. During his time at the University of California, Davis, Baljeu worked in a research capacity focused on phenolic development in the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, and in positions at Silverado Farming in Napa Valley and Jessie’s Grove Winery in Lodi. He holds both Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. While there, he was awarded Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his standout performance in the classroom and on the field playing fullback and tight end for the Aggies.
“Derek is a skilled winemaker and has proven himself to be an integral member of the Knights Bridge team,” said Debi Leal, President and General Manager of Knights Bridge Winery, “Douglas and Derek’s synergy as a winemaking team is evident in the highly-regarded wines they have created together.” Proprietor Jim Bailey added, “His dedication to his craft is invaluable as we continue to build a team of professionals who truly believe in the uniqueness and diversity of our Knights Valley terroir and who will elevate winemaking even further in the new winery. Since our founding in 2006, this guiding principle has been our bedrock for handcrafting some of the most highly rated and sought-after wines in Knights Valley.”
“It’s a privilege to work with our estate fruit and I am honored to be a part of this next chapter at Knights Bridge. I’m already looking forward to harvest 2021 and making this first vintage in the new winery,” said Baljeu. He continued, “My job will be to bring out the true expression of the estate fruit and carry the torch for this stunning vineyard and new state-of-the-art facility.”
About Knights Bridge Winery
Founded in 2006 by brothers Jim and Essel Bailey and friend Tom Costin, Knights Bridge Winery is nestled in the pristine, undeveloped west side of Knights Valley, the warmest appellation in Sonoma County. The organically farmed estate rises to 900 feet in elevation on the rocky slopes of the Mayacamas mountain range, at the perfect intersection of climate and location. Guided by a deep respect for nature, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to share the remarkable beauty of the vineyard, Knights Bridge seeks to make wines of energy and purpose that are unmistakable expressions of their estate terroir. The Knights Bridge Estate Winery is currently under construction and set for completion by mid-2021. To learn more, please visit knightsbridgewinery.com.
Media Contact:
Laura Kirk Lee, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
415.425.8030
lkirklee ( @ ) knightsbridgewinery dot com
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