honoring the heritage
ABOUT OUR
WINEMAKER
Trace Brueske, Winemaker and Vineyard Manager
Trace Brueske, our winemaker and vineyard manager, hails from Wisconsin. He journeyed to California to study wine and viticulture at Cal Poly, and since then has built a deep well of experience working in the vineyards and cellars of renowned wineries including Goldeneye, Bien Nacido, and Stephen Ross. Trace joined Koehler Estate in 2022, bringing with him a thoughtful, land-forward approach to both farming and winemaking.
Trace works hand in hand with our vineyard team to align viticultural practices with cellar goals, supporting seamless integration between farming and production. Dedicated to honoring the heritage of Koehler Estate, he is revitalizing our old vines while reimagining nine acres of the vineyard with Loire Valley-inspired varietals such as Pinot Gris, Melon, Picpoul Blanc, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc—wines that will help shape the future of Koehler.
Using native fermentations and restrained methods in the cellar, Trace crafts wines that allow the true character of the fruit to shine. In addition to our estate portfolio, he also sources fruit from premier vineyard sites for our Santa Barbara County Project, which showcases lesser-known varieties and top-tier farming across the region.
Trace's black lab, Leroy, is his constant companion in the field or at the winery—an emblem of the heart and dedication he brings to every vintage. Join us in celebrating the legacy and future of Koehler Estate through the exceptional wines crafted by Trace and our talented team.
