Tribute to Jed Steele: A Pioneer of Lake County’s Wine Industry
Jed Steele’s Legacy in Winemaking
Jed Steele, the revered California winemaker responsible for shaping Lake County into a prominent fine-wine region, passed away on October 31 due to bladder cancer at the age of 80. His partner, Paula Doran, confirmed his death, marking the loss of a giant in the world of winemaking.
Jed Steele, who established Lake County as a fine-wine region, died on Oct. 31 at 80. (Courtesy Nathan DeHart)
Establishing a Name in Winemaking
Steele founded Steele Wines in 1991, already renowned for his nine-year tenure as the head winemaker at Kendall-Jackson. His winery quickly gained acclaim, along with its offshoot brands such as Shooting Star, Stymie, and Writer’s Block, solidifying its status as one of the most recognized wineries in Lake County, located just north of Napa and Sonoma.
A Visionary for Lake County
Andy Beckstoffer, a fellow Napa Valley grape grower, described Steele as “Mr. Lake County,” noting that he “gave Lake County credibility.” In the early 1990s, Lake County was primarily known for producing pears rather than premium wines. Steele’s commitment to changing public perceptions about the region’s winemaking capabilities proved instrumental. He championed Lake County wines, countering the narrative that its climate was unsuitable for viticulture.
Making Fine Wines Affordable
Steele was particularly adept at making high-quality wines competitively priced, usually under $20, making premium wine accessible to a broader audience. His wines were characterized by rich flavors and approachable alcohol levels, often surpassing 15%.
The Gentle Giant of the Industry
Standing at 6’4″ and known as the “gentle giant,” Steele was renowned for his kind nature. In addition to his winemaking prowess, he was celebrated for his generosity, often hosting events for employees and offering scholarships for their children. His warmth extended to engaging with distributors nationwide through sports tournaments and festive offerings.
A Journey Through Winemaking
Born on January 26, 1945, in San Francisco, Steele had a unique path to winemaking. He attended Gonzaga University on a basketball scholarship and, after earning a master’s degree in enology from UC Davis in 1974, he honed his skills at various esteemed wineries, such as Edmeades Winery in Mendocino and Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara.
In the early 1980s, he joined Kendall-Jackson, where he became instrumental in developing the now-famous Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay—which subsequently became the best-selling Chardonnay in the United States.
Setting New Standards
Though he faced challenges, including a legal battle with Jess Jackson over the Chardonnay formula, Steele’s trajectory never faltered. He amassed over 81 acres of vineyard land in Lake County, sourcing grapes from across California to maintain quality and creativity in his wines.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Known for innovative grape varieties, Steele produced wines including the Austrian Blaufränkisch and experimented with up to 40 unique bottlings each year. His approach made his wines renowned for their flavor and value, often branded as “great wine without pomp and circumstance.”
Retirement and Legacy
After a stroke in 2020, Steele sold his businesses to Clay Shannon but remained a pivotal figure in the industry, offering his expertise and joyfully participating in winery events. Even during his battle with cancer over the last four years, he continued to engage in his passion for winemaking.
The Future of Steele Wines
Following Steele’s retirement, there were uncertainties about the brand’s future. However, Clay Shannon has recently revitalized Steele Wines with a design echoing its origins, priced at $19.99—a nod to Steele’s philosophy of making wine accessible to wine lovers everywhere.
Steele leaves behind a lasting legacy. He is survived by his partner, Paula Doran, his two children, and his granddaughter. His impact on Lake County’s wine industry and the broader Californian winemaking community remains indelible.
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