A fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker, Joseph Wagner has been immersed in every aspect of the wine industry his entire life. Learning the ropes from his father Chuck, who co-founded Caymus Vineyards with his parents in 1972, Joseph garnered a love for cultivating the land, tending grapevines, the art of winemaking, the strengths of a good work ethic and leading by example. Planting his first Pinot Noir vineyard at age fifteen sparked a love for the then lesser-known variety. After working in the Sonoran Desert of Northern Mexico farming table grapes, Joseph returned to California where he joined the family business working under his father in vineyards and the winery.

Establishing Belle Glos with his father with the inaugural vintage of 2001. Focusing on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs, Joseph took a different approach to vineyard decisions and winemaking than the traditional Burgundian philosophy. Taking the risk of separating from tradition would prove a wise choice for Joseph and the brand while shaping a philosophy he carries to this day of “Go With Your Palate”; a simple way of empowering people to drink what they enjoy, and not be swayed by the sommeliers and critics of the world. In 2006, Joseph began crafting Meiomi, an industry-shaking Pinot Noir with bold and robust flavors uncommon in Pinot Noirs at the time. The brand gained so much recognition that it soon became the focal point of the largest non-asset wine sale in history, a deal Wagner made to fund his dreams and aspirations for his blossoming company, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions and expanding his farming footprint throughout the West Coast.

Next up for Joseph was Elouan, a collection of Oregon wines made in his signature style. Since starting Copper Cane in 2014, Joseph has launched numerous new wines, each with a purpose for being, expressing the land and showcasing his signature style. Taking a hands-on approach to cultivation, winemaking and marketing with each of the brands, his Copper Cane portfolio includes Belle Glos, Elouan, Napa Valley Quilt, Böen, and others. Always an entrepreneur, Joseph opened AVOW Restaurant and more recently Quilt & Co. Tasting Room & Lounge, both located in the heart of downtown Napa. He also owns premium cigar line Avrae. Joseph lives in Napa Valley and enjoys mountain biking and camping with his six children, fiancé Rachel, and teaching them the ropes of the business with the hopes that someday, they too will be in the wine industry.