August 18, 2026 (St. Helena, CA) — Buehler Vineyards is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Kester as Winemaker, marking the next chapter in the history of one of Napa Valley’s enduring family-owned wineries.
Kester succeeds longtime Buehler winemaker David Cronin, who retired after a distinguished career guiding the winery’s acclaimed winemaking program. She also follows in the footsteps of Heidi Barrett, Buehler’s first winemaker, whose pioneering work launched one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated winemaking careers. Together, Barrett and Kester represent a remarkable legacy of female winemaking leadership at Buehler.
Kester joins Buehler following more than 15 years at Wente Family Estates, America’s oldest continuously operating family-owned winery. As Director of Winemaking, she led all aspects of winemaking across Wente’s portfolio, from nationally recognized wines such as Morning Fog and Riva Ranch Chardonnays to the winery’s flagship Small Lot and nth Degree wines. She also played a key role in developing Ravel & Stitch, helping shape the brand from its inception while serving as its public face through media, trade, and consumer engagements.
Under Kester’s leadership, Wente wines earned widespread critical acclaim, including multiple 95+ point ratings, highlighted by a 98-point nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon, along with numerous Editors’ Choice and Cellar Selection honors. During her tenure, wines from the Wente portfolio also earned recognition in Wine Spectator’s and Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines, demonstrating excellence across both luxury and nationally distributed brands.
Known for combining technical expertise with collaborative leadership, Kester has become a respected voice within the wine industry through speaking engagements, technical panels, and industry publications. Her winemaking philosophy – centered on elegance, balance, varietal typicity, and authentic vineyard expression – aligns naturally with the style that has defined Buehler for generations.
“It is an incredible honor to join the Buehler family,” said Kester. “Like Wente, Buehler embodies the values of a multigenerational family winery, where stewardship and an uncompromising commitment to quality are passed from one generation to the next. I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by David Cronin and the legacy Heidi Barrett began while crafting wines that continue Buehler’s reputation for exceptional quality and value.”
“Elizabeth’s track record of producing critically acclaimed wines, developing outstanding teams, and leading winemaking at one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries made her the ideal choice to guide Buehler into its next chapter,” said John Buehler, President of Buehler Vineyards.