Jeff Bundschu
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Jeff Bundschu is no stranger to the lure of the vine—as a sixth generation California vintner, wine has been in his family since 1858. Bundschu was raised on the family estate in Sonoma and was working in the vineyards by the time he was 12 years old. But it is Bundschu’s ability as a creative thinker and his innate sense of curiosity that has made him an intriguing, young visionary leader. As one of the founders of the progressive Wine Brats organization, Bundschu realized at an early age that the wine industry needed to expand its outreach in order to bring relevancy to a larger portion of the population.
Jeff was not convinced about the family business at an early age, leaving to attend college in Los Angeles, where he obtained a degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California. An intrepid explorer, Bundschu traveled extensively in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean following graduation, but the draw of the family vineyard was too strong. Bundschu returned to Sonoma Valley, surrendering to the powerful pull of the six-generation family business. Bundschu had worked in the cellar and in the vineyards during his teenage years and college, so he knew his way around the winery. His next step was to learn sales, working the national market from 1993 to 1995. Jeff was appointed General Manager and CEO in 2000, and today oversees the production of Gundlach Bundschu’s estate-grown wines and 320 acres of estate vineyards.
Like many of his family members before him, Bundschu is striving to redefine the estate vision to meet the industry challenges of the times. With superb vineyards and a talented team of employees, he is excited about the future of the estate. “Each generation of my family that has stood on this dirt felt compelled to looking at the vines and wines with a fresh eye. Our winery’s evolution is destined—families evolve. Land evolves. Plants evolve. Palates evolve.”
Equally important to Bundschu is the preservation of the open-minded and spirited culture with which the winery has long been associated. “Our life here at Gundlach Bundschu, with its wine and good people, has always been about laughter, hard work, enjoying the inspiration that comes from being in such a beautiful place, and sharing what we have with our friends and neighbors.” Bundschu makes his home in Sonoma with his wife Elizabeth and their two children. When he’s not evaluating the wines or in the vineyard with Jim Bundschu, his father and the winery’s viticulturist, Jeff can be found mountain biking, skiing, surfing or reading a good book. You can keep up with Jeff on twitter @sonojeff
Jeff was not convinced about the family business at an early age, leaving to attend college in Los Angeles, where he obtained a degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California. An intrepid explorer, Bundschu traveled extensively in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean following graduation, but the draw of the family vineyard was too strong. Bundschu returned to Sonoma Valley, surrendering to the powerful pull of the six-generation family business. Bundschu had worked in the cellar and in the vineyards during his teenage years and college, so he knew his way around the winery. His next step was to learn sales, working the national market from 1993 to 1995. Jeff was appointed General Manager and CEO in 2000, and today oversees the production of Gundlach Bundschu’s estate-grown wines and 320 acres of estate vineyards.
Like many of his family members before him, Bundschu is striving to redefine the estate vision to meet the industry challenges of the times. With superb vineyards and a talented team of employees, he is excited about the future of the estate. “Each generation of my family that has stood on this dirt felt compelled to looking at the vines and wines with a fresh eye. Our winery’s evolution is destined—families evolve. Land evolves. Plants evolve. Palates evolve.”
Equally important to Bundschu is the preservation of the open-minded and spirited culture with which the winery has long been associated. “Our life here at Gundlach Bundschu, with its wine and good people, has always been about laughter, hard work, enjoying the inspiration that comes from being in such a beautiful place, and sharing what we have with our friends and neighbors.” Bundschu makes his home in Sonoma with his wife Elizabeth and their two children. When he’s not evaluating the wines or in the vineyard with Jim Bundschu, his father and the winery’s viticulturist, Jeff can be found mountain biking, skiing, surfing or reading a good book. You can keep up with Jeff on twitter @sonojeff