Charles McKahn – Owner/Winemaker
Charles McKahn began his winemaking career at the age of 17. His early experience included working in the laboratory and cellars of McManis Family Vineyards during the summer and harvest season of 2007. Following this initial exposure to winemaking, Charles pursued formal education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he specialized in Enology, the science of winemaking. During his time on the Central Coast of California, he developed a particular appreciation for Rhône varieties, with a special fondness for Syrah.
Upon graduating in 2011, Charles moved to Napa to work the harvest season at the renowned Chappellet Winery on Pritchard Hill. His dedication and positive attitude quickly secured him a full-time position as an Enologist, and he was later promoted to Assistant Winemaker. In 2016, after five years of valuable experience under the mentorship of Phillip Titus at Chappellet, Charles advanced to the role of Winemaker at William Harrison Winery in Rutherford, Napa Valley. As of 2022, he serves as a full-time consulting winemaker for several small wine brands, with a primary focus on McKahn Wines.
Denise McKahn – Owner/CEO
Denise started her career in the wine industry over 30 years ago when she worked as an Accounting Assistant at the historic Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California. She was with Wente for eight years when she decided to leave the wine industry to be closer to home and spend more time with the family. After seeing her only son Charles head off to college in 2007, Denise decided she wanted to pursue her passion for wine. She was the Operations Manager at Concannon Vineyard from 2010-2018. Meanwhile, Denise convinced her husband and son to start making their own family wine, and McKahn Wines was created in 2014. Denise now runs the day-to-day operations for McKahn Wines.
Kevin McKahn – Owner
Kevin has spent the last 35 years as a high voltage electrician and recently retired to focus on the family business. He works tirelessly in helping Charles with the wine production as well as providing insights into the family business. He enjoys meeting new people and loves sharing stories of our short history in this wonderful life of wine.
Brittany McKahn – Owner
Brittany brings a decade of luxury wine sales experience to her role, having worked with several premium wine brands in Napa Valley, including Hudson Ranch, Kapcsándy Family Winery, and Titus Vineyards. She has developed a particular expertise in Wine Club Management and Direct to Consumer Sales. Currently, Brittany supports the day-to-day operations at McKahn Wines.