Joe Nielsen became director of winemaking at Ram’s Gate Winery in 2018, implementing holistic farming and sustainable practices that reduced water use by 33%, earned California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) organic certification and resulted in being set to become Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) this year.
This big move is hugely important as we face the effects of a changing climate. Nielsen moved from Michigan to California in 2008 and now lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and two kids.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Joe Nielsen: I began college on the pre-med track, envisioning a future in medicine—until a close friend surprised me with an unexpected suggestion: ‘You’d make a great winemaker.’ At the time, the idea felt completely out of left field. I wasn’t from a region where wine played a role in daily life, so the thought had never even crossed my mind. But the seed was planted.
Over time, I found myself drawn to the blend of science, art and agriculture that winemaking offers. I eventually shifted my studies to focus on viticulture and enology—grape growing and winemaking—and never looked back.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
Not at first—I fell in love with grape growing before I truly appreciated winemaking. There was something captivating about how a vineyard fits so naturally into the landscape, each one uniquely shaped by its environment. The idea of guiding a plant to produce a beautiful, expressive beverage, rooted in history and time, completely drew me in.
Early on, I was especially inspired by Sauternes and German rieslings. Their elegance, complexity and age-worthiness opened my eyes to what wine could be—and they still hold a special place in my heart.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Depending on the season, scotch is high on my list. Bruichladdich is one of my favorites. It is light enough for summer, yet complex enough for winter.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
One of my favorite spots in Sonoma to stop in for a glass of wine is the girl & the fig. The restaurant has an incredible wine list focused on Rhône varieties—a category that I happen to love and also produce at Ram’s Gate. Another spot I love in Sonoma is Layla at MacArthur Place. The hotel is beautiful, with incredible farm-to-table dishes, and the wine list highlights many local producers. The selection of cocktails is also thoughtfully made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Likely Chablis or Meursault—a crisp, mineral-driven white wine is the perfect pairing with island sunsets and ocean breezes.Ram’s Gate, 28700 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707.721.8700. ramsgatewinery.com.
