The Setting Wines
The Setting is a collection of boutique wines created by three friends with a love of wine and philanthropy. Setting out to create the best wine possible, Philanthropic Entrepreneurs Jeff Cova and Noah McMahon partnered with highly-acclaimed winemaker Jesse Katz (Aperture Cellars, Devil Proof Vineyards) to find the most exceptional vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Oregon's Willamette Valley. Each bottle reflects Jesse's dedication to excellence in precision farming and winemaking, with a focus on creating wines that reflect the setting from which they originate and elevate the setting in which they are enjoyed.
A backbone in fundraising and charitable giving via Jeff and Noah's businesses set the stage for the brand's notable philanthropic collaborations, while Jesse's unmatched winemaking expertise creates wine worthy of record-setting donations. A six-liter bottle of The Setting Wines 2019 Glass Slipper Vineyard Cabernet currently holds the highest bid for any single bottle of wine at auction, earning one-million dollars to benefit the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. The Setting Wines team pursues opportunities to craft exceptional experiences while partnering with brands that ignite a spirit of philanthropy.
Most recently, Jesse was named Wine Enthusiast's Global Winemaker of the Year for 2025
Biography
Jesse Katz grew up traveling the world alongside his father, renowned photographer Andy Katz, immersing himself in legendary vineyards and the art of winemaking. These early adventures introduced him to the soul of terroir, the harmony of balance, and the power of a winemaker's vision-igniting a lifelong passion that continues to shape his path and inspires him to find the best settings for his world-class wines.
Today, Jesse is celebrated as one of the world's most dynamic winemakers. His ability to blend artistry, precision, and innovation has garnered him accolades from industry icons and critics alike. Jesse is inspired by the relationship of unpredictable nature in the vineyard, the influence of precise farming and the art of science in the winery. His winemaking centers on selecting unique sites and settings, then pairing diverse farming and winemaking techniques to extract the deepest expression of each vineyard. For The Setting Wines, Jesse found the most exceptional vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Oregon's Willamette Valley to create a range of exceptionally crafted Bordeaux and Burgundy-style wines.
Jesse's pursuit of excellence spans 25+ harvests across iconic wine regions. A graduate of Fresno State's Viticulture and Enology program, his early career included stints at some of the most revered names in the world of wine: Pétrus in Bordeaux, Screaming Eagle and Robert Foley Winery in Napa, and Viña Cobos in Argentina. By 2010, Jesse became the youngest head winemaker in the U.S. at Lancaster Estate, where he not only delivered 90+ scores across every wine reviewed but also spearheaded the development of a new winery and tasting room for multiple brands in the portfolio. In 2013, Wine Enthusiast named Jesse one of its 40 Under 40 Tastemakers landing him on the cover of the magazine at the age of 29, and he earned the distinction of becoming the first winemaker on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Jesse's wines have achieved the rare perfect 100-point score multiple times from 5 different regions, a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and respect for the land. Whether with The Setting Wines, which have achieved 93 - 100 pt distinctions, or his other highly rated brands including Aperture and Devil Proof, his creations tell a story of place, passion, and precision.
As a collaborator with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Von Miller, Tony Hawk, and Justin Timberlake, Jesse's reputation transcends winemaking. In 2017, Jesse's collaboration with Shep Gordon under The Setting Wines earned the designation as the most expensive 750ml bottle of wine in the world ever sold. He then broke his own record in 2021, when a 6L of his 2019 The Setting Wine Glass Slipper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon sold for $1M setting the world record of most expensive bottle of wine ever sold.
Beyond the cellar, Jesse uses his craft to make a difference. His wines have raised over $ 6 million for charitable causes, and he proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the SommFoundation, supporting education in the wine and spirits world. For Jesse, winemaking is more than a profession—it's a platform for connection, generosity, and celebration.
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