Brassfield Estate Winery Announces Key Leadership Promotions to Drive Next-Generation Leadership and Continued Growth

CLEARLAKE OAKS, CA – November 2, 2026 – Brassfield Estate Winery, recognized as one of the most successful rising voices in Northern California and the passionate ambassador of the stunning High Valley AVA in Lake County, is proud to announce significant leadership promotions designed to carry forward the estate's long-term legacy and position the winery for future generations of leadership. Jonathan Walters has been promoted from Vice President of Vineyard and Winemaking Operations to Co-CEO, alongside Founder and Owner Jerry Brassfield, while Hailey Finch steps into the role of General Manager from her previous Production Manager role. These leadership advancements reflect Brassfield's deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and growth, both internally and externally.

Established by visionary entrepreneur Jerry Brassfield in 2000, Brassfield Estate Winery is a leader in this distinctive high-elevation volcanic region, crafting 100% estate-grown, produced, and bottled wines. Each bottle reflects an impassioned attention to detail and a profound respect for its high-elevation vineyards.

“For over 25 years, our mission has been rooted in a deep respect for High Valley's unique terroir and a vision for long-term excellence,” said Jerry Brassfield, Founder and Owner. “Jonathan has been instrumental in our agricultural and winemaking success for over a decade, and appointing him as Co-CEO alongside me, coupled with Hailey stepping into the role of General Manager, ensures that our founding values will continue to guide Brassfield Estate Winery for generations to come.”

Jonathan Walters brings a comprehensive understanding of the estate's unique terroir, precision farming practices, and winemaking strategy as he steps into the pivotal new role of Co-CEO. Since joining Brassfield Estate Winery in mid-2014, Walters has steadily expanded his leadership across the estate, starting as Director of Farming in 2015, where he led the landmark development of several key estate vineyards, and later as General Manager starting in 2020 to drive major winery efficiency and modernization projects. Most recently serving as Vice President of Vineyard and Winemaking Operations, his decade-long trajectory at the estate reflects a deep immersion in every facet of production. In his co-leadership role alongside Jerry Brassfield, Walters will help guide the overarching strategic vision of the winery while continuing to oversee core winemaking operations, protecting the estate’s founding mission and guiding its future trajectory.

Alongside Walters’ appointment, Hailey Finch has been promoted to General Manager of Brassfield Estate Winery. Finch initially joined the winemaking staff in 2020 as a Viticulture Technician prior to earning her degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Upon returning, she has cultivated an expansive scope of work across multiple facets of the estate. Ranging from vineyard cultivation and winemaking in the cellar to procurement, direct-to-consumer strategy, and daily management across the property, Finch has truly immersed herself in the managerial role.

“It has been an incredible privilege to grow with Brassfield Estate Winery over the past decade,” said Walters. “Working closely with Jerry and our dedicated team to steward High Valley’s world-class terroir has been deeply rewarding. As Co-CEO, I look forward to honoring our founding legacy while driving innovation and operational excellence across our estate.”

“Stepping into the role of General Manager is a tremendous honor and an exciting next step,” added Finch. “Having worked across so many areas of the winery over the years, I am thrilled to help lead our incredible team, foster our estate's growth, and continue sharing Brassfield’s extraordinary wines with our community.”

With a structured executive leadership team and a commitment to next-generation guidance, Brassfield Estate Winery enters its next chapter well-positioned to build upon its market momentum, elevate the High Valley AVA, and deliver exceptional, terroir-driven estate wines.

For the latest news and wine releases, follow Brassfield Estate Winery on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @brassfieldestatewinery.

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About Brassfield Estate Winery:

Brassfield Estate Winery was born out of a vision to produce distinctive, terroir-driven wines from one of the most interesting California regions: Lake County. The core of Brassfield Estate Winery, High Serenity Ranch, represents a truly distinctive and remarkable winegrowing property stretching nearly 5,000 acres across both the eastern and the western sections of High Valley as well as the Round Mountain Volcano, welcoming visitors from all over the United States. Located in the High Valley AVA of Lake County, Brassfield Estate Winery is perched at a rare altitude shared by few vineyards worldwide. Renowned for its commitment to precision and sustainable farming, the estate produces seventeen varietal wines from vine to bottle without leaving the hands of their dedicated team.