Jess Arnold

associate winemaker

Jess Arnold, originally from sunny Los Angeles, embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery at the age of 18. After college, her passion for adventure led her to travel the world, immersing herself in diverse cultures and landscapes. This global exploration eventually guided her toward a career in wine, where she found a perfect blend of her love for travel and appreciation for new experiences.

 Jess's professional wine journey began in the vibrant cities of San Francisco and New York, where she initially worked in hospitality. Her mission was to share her enthusiasm for wine with friends and to make the often intimidating world of wine lists more accessible. She was inspired by wine’s humble origins in thoughtful farming and was determined to demystify it for others.

 In 2014, Jess took a pivotal step in her career by participating in a harvest in Sonoma. This hands-on experience expanded her theoretical knowledge and provided her with the most satisfying work she had ever done. Despite the lack of frills, glamour, or rest, the tangible satisfaction of contributing to the creation of wine cemented her commitment to the industry. This experience led her to the renowned Willamette Valley in Oregon, where she developed a deep appreciation for biodynamic principles and their impact on the land, people, and the final product.

 Her dedication to sustainable winemaking practices found a perfect home at Soter Vineyards. As the Associate Winemaker, Jess collaborates with exceptional winemaking, vineyard, and sales teams, applying biodynamic principles to their daily work and contributing to the vineyard's success.

 Beyond her professional life, Jess maintains a balanced and enriched lifestyle. She enjoys yoga, hiking, foraging, quick dips in cold water, traveling, and sharing great meals with friends. Leisurely vineyard walks with her beloved pug, Marty, add to her enjoyment and provide a well-rounded approach to her winemaking career.

 Jess Arnold’s journey from Los Angeles to the world’s vineyards reflects her passion for adventure, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.