There are few American winemaking families who have made a name for themselves as the Wagner family of Caymus Vineyards has. A multi-generational winemaking family, the Wagners have successfully passed the art of winemaking from father to son and daughter.

Though Caymus was founded in 1972, the family has been in Napa Valley since the mid-1800s when they emigrated from Alsace, France. Though there were many obstacles that stood in the way of making quality wine for a hundred years, the Wagners emerged from prohibition and plague with a determination to make quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

Now, fifth-generation Wagner winemaker, Joseph (Joe) Wagner has forged his own way in the industry with his grape of choice, Pinot Noir. From his early successes with Belle Glos and Meiomi to his current umbrella portfolio of wines under Copper Cane, Joe has truly proven himself to be a trailblazer in the industry at such a young age.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Joe about his philosophies on winemaking, and how he converges the history and tradition of his family with the technology and evolution of the industry he sees as so important to stay afloat.

Read more about Joe in my latest article for Winetraveler.com.