Get to Know Laura Kessens, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

I moved to Temecula in 2000, I wasn’t really into wine at the time. A friend took me wine tasting. We went to Hart Winery. It was so cool to see the tanks and all the barrels. Joe was there, just listening to him talk about wine and Temecula, I thought what a job to have. I started working at Hart Winery in 2011. In 2013 I started at Robert Renzoni Vineyards. I’m still there. Loving every minute.

1. What originally inspired you to pursue a career in wine country?
In 2011 I had to reinvent myself. I loved going wine tasting and learning about Temecula wine country. Mt. San Jacinto College had classes for wine, so I signed up. I took a viticulture class, accounting class for wine. The following year I did an intern program at Maurice Car’rie Winery.

I learned so much.

1. What do you love most about working in wine country?
The seasons. Watching the vines change, budbreak to harvest. I enjoy telling the guests about what we can grow in Temecula. Sharing stories on how it all started in the valley.

4. What’s your go-to sip after a long day?
It depends on the time of year. Spring/Summer: A dry white, dry rosé or dry bubbly.
Fall/Winter: A big red. Wine is like your kids or your pets. You love them all, just different times for different reasons.

3. A dream role or experience you’d love to take in the industry?
I would love to see more wine education and history about Temecula Wine Country. People come from all over the world to visit here. Let’s all tell them about it! People come from all over the world to visit here. Let’s all tell them about it