Sonoma County, CA – March 31, 2025 – It is with great sadness that Emeritus Vineyards announces the passing of Kirk Lokka on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the age of 68. Over a career spanning five decades, Kirk Lokka earned a reputation as one of the most respected vineyard managers in California, known for his dedication to his craft, his family, and mentoring generations of farmers.
At the age of eight, Kirk decided he wanted to be a farmer after riding the tractor at his grandfather’s farm. After receiving his degree in plant science from Fresno State University, Kirk briefly worked on a cotton farm before joining Sonoma–Cutrer as a vineyard foreman. During his 23 years at Sonoma-Cutrer, he oversaw more than 1,200 acres of estate vineyards, including the planting of the acclaimed Vine Hill and Owsley Ranch vineyards. During this time, he also co-founded the Russian River Valley Winegrowers Association and served as its president twice. He was honored as the Sonoma County “Agri-Business Person of the Year” in 1997 for his exceptional contributions to the industry.
When Brice Cutrer Jones sold Sonoma–Cutrer in 1999, he partnered with Kirk to found Emeritus Vineyards and acquire the Hallberg Ranch property. Together, they guided the planting of Hallberg Ranch, William Wesley (now no longer owned by Emeritus), and Pinot Hill vineyards—sites now considered some of the most coveted sources for Pinot Noir in California. In 2007, Kirk spearheaded the adoption of dry farming at Hallberg Ranch, and the following year, he began planting Pinot Hill in the Sebastopol Hills, making Emeritus the largest dry-farmed Pinot Noir estate in Sonoma County. In acknowledgment of his pioneering work at Emeritus, Kirk was honored as the “Sonoma County Grower of the Year” by the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association in 2017.
Kirk’s favorite and most infamous story was jumping over a stone wall in the middle of the night in France and smuggling budwood back to California. He not only added to the clonal diversity of Sonoma, but was generous in sharing his knowledge of clones and rootstocks to help the region’s growth.
Throughout Kirk’s life, he focused on building a better Sonoma agricultural community. He mentored generations of winegrape growers, lending his talents to 4H Clubs and FFA chapters throughout the state. He helped plant the El Molino High School vineyard and establish the Hopyard at Santa Rosa High School Farm. Kirk also served for 13 years on the board of the Santa Rosa Junior College Agricultural Trust, and helped establish a charitable organization called Lords & Goddesses of the Vine, which has raised more than $500,000 for local charities. Earlier this year, he was named one of Wine’s Most Inspiring People of 2025 by the Wine Industry Network.
Kirk is survived by his wife Debbie, his sons Riggs and Tye, and daughter-in-law Emily. Riggs, who succeeded his father as vineyard manager at Emeritus, shared, “My dad’s legacy is instilled in every vine and wine that he placed his hands on. I look forward to continuing his excellence in sustainability, community involvement, and producing the best grapes in Sonoma County.”
Mari Jones, second-generation president at Emeritus Vineyards, expressed, “To know Kirk was to love him, and he is loved by many, both near and far. This loss will be felt deeply by so many, but we will always have his vision and passion guiding us.”
A celebration of his life will be held this summer at Emeritus Vineyards.
About Emeritus Vineyards
Founded by vintner Brice Cutrer Jones in 1999, Emeritus Vineyards is dedicated to making America’s finest Pinot Noir. Guided by a philosophy that great wines are shaped by three factors: soil, climate, and people, Emeritus established a grand cru-caliber estate program featuring 140 acres of dry-farmed Pinot Noir at two vineyards: Hallberg Ranch in Russian River Valley and Pinot Hill on the Sonoma Coast. Today, Emeritus is stewarded by second-generation President Mari Jones, Winemaker Keith Hammond and Vineyard Manager Riggs Lokka, who along with the experienced Emeritus team, craft Pinot Noirs of unparalleled elegance, integrity, and purity.
