A San Francisco native, Stephanie Putnam did not originally set her sights on making wine at Far Niente. Rather, she envisioned a career in law enforcement, as an FBI agent. But as luck would have it, she now spends her time interpreting the laws of viticulture and other natural sciences as winemaker of the Napa Valley estate.

Armed with a degree in Fermentation Science from the University of California, Davis, Putnam joined the cellar team at Napa’s Hess Collection winery in 1991. She worked her way through the production department, serving as enologist and assistant winemaker before being appointed winemaker in 1997.

As winemaker, Putnam managed the Hess Collection and Hess Select labels, producing estate Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Syrah for the winery. She helped produce a wine that was named number three in the world by some of the industry’s leading critics. She also served as consultant to the winery’s South American partners, guiding them to craft wines suitable for the United States market.

In the spring of 2001, Putnam was appointed winemaker at Far Niente and placed in charge of making the winery’s estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. She manages all aspects of winemaking, including harvest, tasting and blending decisions.

Putnam lives in Napa with her two Labradors, Sophie and Spencer, and enjoys running, tae kwon do and scuba diving.