Our Story
Meet the Winemaker
As General Manager and Winemaker at Ram’s Gate Winery, Joe Nielsen approaches winemaking with an unrivaled attention to detail and precision. Not only creative and compelling, he crafts wines that embody balance, verve and effortless elegance. Joe thrives on digging into a vineyard and finding out what makes it special.
Joe got his start in winemaking while a student at Michigan State University. He graduated in 2007 with a B.S. in Horticulture and eventually relocated to California for an internship at Merryvale Vineyards in Napa Valley. In 2009, at just 23 years old, he became cellar master at Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa. Impressing their team with his passion and thirst for knowledge he was quickly promoted to assistant winemaker before becoming head winemaker in 2013 where he expanded the winery’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay programs.
In 2018, Joe became director of winemaking at Ram’s Gate and spent his first year focused on digging into what makes the Ram’s Gate estate special. He doubled down on holistic farming, diagrammed vineyard soils and used pressure bombs to study its water needs, subsequently reducing water use by nearly 33%. Joe believes that being thoughtful with land management will lead to not only better wines, but an even better place for guests to visit and enjoy the fruits of his labor.
In 2021 he was promoted to General Manager and Winemaker. In this new leadership role, he continues to experiment with new techniques in the cellar and vineyards while elevating the hospitality experience.
Wines
Varietals
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Blend-Sparkling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Grenache Syrah
- Pinot Blanc
- Rose
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Syrah
Appellations
- Sonoma Coast
- Fountaingrove District
- Napa County
- Petaluma Gap
- Russian River Valley
- Sonoma Valley
Tastings
Amenities
- Food & Wine Pairing
- Private Tours*
- Wine Club
- Scenic Views
- Outdoor Seating
- Indoor Seating
- Unique Architecture
- Gift Shop
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Large Groups OK
- Event Space
Reviews
My Review
Recent Reviews
Ram's Gate Winery is truly a gem in the heart of Sonoma County. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted with stunning views of rolling hills and lush vineyards, creating the perfect setting for a day of wine tasting. The staff at Ram's Gate Winery is absolutely top-notch. Their hospitality and warmth make you feel like a VIP from the moment you walk through the door. They are incredibly knowledgeable about their wines and are eager to share their passion with you. You'll learn about the different varietals, the terroir, and the winemaking process, which adds to the overall experience. more...
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