Bryan Kane has been the winemaker for Howell Mountain Vineyards since the 2010 harvest. Coming from a tech executive background, he learned his craft by working side by side with some of the more famous winemaking names in California. Bryan’s winemaking style looks for balance with regards to alcohol, pH, and oak treatments - he employs a minimal interventionist philosophy, taking full advantage of the terroir and the natural superiority of the land. Bryan uses only French oak barrels, opting against racy American oak, or heavy use of any one cooperage. Utilizing a barrel by barrel approach, Bryan embraces proven, old-world wine-making methods, using native yeast, natural malolactic fermentation and minimal racking with no fining or filtering.

Recently recognized as one of the “Next Generation Cult Winemakers” by Sommelier Journal, Bryan’s accomplishments were also recognized by Wine Enthusiast where he was named one of the Top 100 Winemakers of the World. In addition to Howell Mountain Vineyards, Bryan also owns and produces the brands Sol Rouge, Vie Winery and recently opened a restaurant in Lakeport called On the Waterfront.