Senior Director of Vineyard Operations
Sam Ausburn
Bio
Sam Ausburn plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of winegrowing across our estate vineyards in Napa and Sonoma County. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in organic winegrowing, Sam oversees the management of over 500 acres of vineyards, leading a robust internal farming team of 60-plus employees. His career in the wine industry began in Sonoma County, where he gained invaluable experience working for Dutton Ranch and later as the Viticulturist at Kosta Browne. Since joining Joseph Phelps Vineyards in 2023, Sam has been instrumental in cultivating vineyards situated in premier locations such as Oakville, Stags Leap, Oak Knoll, and Sonoma Coast AVA, ensuring that each vineyard reflects the unique terroir of its region. Outside of work, Sam finds joy in attending his children’s sporting events, exploring outdoor activities like skiing and motorcycle riding, and enjoying the natural beauty of Napa and Sonoma County.
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