Jed Steele , Consulting Winemaker

Renowned California winemaker Jed Steele has been making Northstar Merlot since the wine’s debut vintage in 1994. Originally known for crafting Kendall-Jackson’s distinct style of Chardonnay, Jed has developed a cult-like following for Steele Wines since establishing his own winery in 1991.

In the mid-1990s, consulting brought Jed to the Columbia Valley and attracted by the quality of Washington Merlot, he joined forces with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates to make Northstar Merlot wines. Jed brings a hedonistic, outside-of-the-box attitude to Northstar that is a perfect foil to the more traditional practices of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.