Justin Seidenfeld is the senior vice president of winemaking & winegrowing at Rodney Strong Vineyards, the iconic Sonoma County winery founded in 1959.
His journey started as an intern at Iron Horse winery in 2005, then quickly moved up the ranks at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, where he developed his expertise working with premium vineyards.
Now overseeing nearly 1,200 acres across 12 estate vineyards, Seidenfeld is known for his innovative spirit—he created square stainless steel fermenters now used at wineries everywhere and developed apps to monitor vineyard irrigation vine by vine. The UC Davis graduate lives in Santa Rosa with his wife, Dena, and three daughters.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Justin Seidenfeld: I fell in love with the idea of making wine while working at a fine dining restaurant in Denver. I always loved how the wine we served made the guest feel and how people would come back to the same bottle or producer because it unlocked a special memory for them.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
The most impactful moment for me has to do with wine. (I know, what a surprise.) I was at a tasting with some of the greatest winemakers in the world, tasting through an unforgettable line of some of the best merlots in the world. Wines like Petrus, Le Pin, Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Masseto and more.
I recall the conversations happening as we tasted through the wines. But once we got to the Masseto, I was taken to a place I had never been before. I have spent every day since aspiring to craft a wine that can do for someone else what that bottle of 2001 Masseto did for me.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
While I am at home, I drink a lot of iced tea. I like to find ones with different flavors and unique twists.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
I am not really picky, as long as I am with good company. I also like to find cocktail bars that use fresh ingredients for mixers. I think it makes a big difference.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
I would like a fully stocked bar with a good selection of wine, beer and spirits. That way, I could have some variety based on my mood. I realize that might be cheating, but why not shoot for the moon?
Rodney Strong Vineyards, 11455 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg, 707.431.1533. rodneystrong.com.
