Jeff Wooledge’s path into winemaking began on Nantucket.  Attending the Nantucket Wine Festival in 2014 proved to be a fateful moment, when he met winemaker Dana Von Sternberg—a connection that would quietly shape his future.  For Jeff, a Midwest native working a corporate job, opportunity arrived in 2020 when the world shifted to remote work and the chance to join harvest emerged.  He packed up and drove west for his first harvest in Sonoma, where Fates’ Lieutenant was born.  What began as a singular adventure quickly became something more: Jeff discovered an intuitive understanding of the craft and a deep fascination with what cool climates and coastal breezes can create.

Called to learn more, Jeff continued his winemaking journey from 2021 through today in Santa Barbara County.  He now splits time between Michigan and Santa Barbara County, sourcing exceptional organically and biodynamically farmed grapes from coastal vineyards.  His approach reflects a belief that winemaking is shaped as much by restraint and attention as by intention—guided by seasons, winds, and the quiet decisions made at harvest.  Jeff leans into the premise that fate holds the threads—and that the winemaker’s role is to follow them.