Central Coast, CA – Eden Rift, under vine since 1849, has appointed Jennifer Leslie as their National Sales Manager. Located in the Cienega Valley appellation of historic San Benito County, just west of Monterey, the Eden Rift estate unfolds under the shadow of the Galiban Mountain Range and is committed to growing and producing wines of character, beauty, and natural balance. The estate is known for its calcareous soils producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with a lean and elegant Zinfandel from a heritage block planted originally in 1906. They make in smaller quantities a carbonic Pinot Noir, textured Pinot Gris from a terraced block, and mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc. Over a third of the estate is own-rooted, and much of the property is terraced on fast draining slopes.
Leslie brings an uncommon multidisciplinary background to her role as National Sales Manager for Eden Rift. Prior to Eden Rift, Leslie held successful stints at distributors Skurnik Wines and Chambers & Chambers, all the while managing her own wine brand, Vitis Jenifera, focused on low-intervention winemaking and social justice.
She had her first light bulb moment with wine while working at Quince, a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco, under Wine Director Chris Baggetta, and spent time working at AQ Restaurant for Allegra Angelo, and Les Clos’ Cara Patricia, while studying for the Advanced Sommelier Exam.
Leslie’s last position in production was as the seasonal enologist at Big Basin Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Leslie spent the 2015/2016 vintage as an intern at the famed Marcassin in Sonoma and Armida Winery in Healdsburg, followed by time in Australia, at Mt. Langi Ghiran. She got her start by working at Knez in the Anderson Valley for Anthony Filiberti.
In 2019, Leslie became a WSET Level 3 graduate. Working in concert with her varied background in winemaking, distribution, and restaurants, is Leslie’s profound interest in building a legacy estate, “I am really looking forward to heralding in Eden Rift as America’s next great winery; the terroir of this site is replicated in few other locations throughout the country. This estate is in great hands, and with over one hundred years of history, it has been quietly waiting for this team to take the reins. From the limestone visible all over the property, to the stunning brick winery, I just can’t wait to share these wines with everyone.” Leslie will be working closely not only with distributors, and retail and restaurant buyers, but also with consumers at in-store tastings, and established consumer events around the country.
“In the years since we started Eden Rift, we have made great strides in both DTC and international markets. Jennifer has joined us to help ensure that as more people hear about what we’re doing, they will be able to find Eden Rift wines locally, wherever in the US they may live. We’re delighted to have such a capable professional join the team.”
To learn more about Eden Rift, please visit: https://www.edenrift.com/
