Esteemed Chef Leads Next Chapter of Culinary Program for Iconic Napa Valley Producer
January 5, 2026 (Rutherford, CA) — Sequoia Grove, the Napa Valley winery long celebrated for its dedication to crafting food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon of finesse, structure, and balance, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bryce Palmer as Executive Chef overseeing the winery’s innovative approach to wine and food pairings. Acclaimed for his creative menu development while leading some of the region’s most esteemed culinary programs, Palmer brings a distinguished background and a deep passion for hospitality to his role.
“Chef Palmer brings a distinctive point of view that perfectly complements our winemaking philosophy,” says Rick Bonitati, President of Sequoia Grove. “His expertise and genuine appreciation for local Napa Valley ingredients reflects Sequoia Grove’s commitment to offering exceptional and authentic food and wine experiences.”
Guided by wines that embody their terroir, Chef Palmer crafts culinary pairings that illuminate and capture each wine’s character. “Chef Palmer has a remarkable ability to bring our wines to life through food, allowing the rhythm of the vineyards and the seasons to inspire his menus. His creativity expands what we understand about pairing, using ingredients, textures, and temperatures to reveal entirely new dimensions of Napa’s classic wines. Each menu becomes a conversation between the vineyard and the plate, deepening our sense of place and the wines we call home,” says Jesse Fox, Winemaker at Sequoia Grove.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Sacramento, Palmer began his career at some of the region’s most esteemed culinary programs, including the acclaimed The Kitchen. His talents quickly earned him leadership roles in Napa Valley, including at Bistro Don Giovanni and as the opening Executive Chef of Scala Osteria. Previously, Palmer served as Sous Chef at Silver Oak Winery, where he further refined his expertise in wine and food pairings.
Under Chef Bryce, the winery’s new culinary program showcases his energetic and thoughtful approach to bring a fresh dimension to the Sequoia Grove experience. Current menu highlights include:
- 2023 Haire Vineyard Chardonnay: Smoked Salmon Tart | Parsnip | Frisée | Tarragon
- 2018 Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: Education Plate | Lemon | Sel Gris | Lucy Glo Apple | Beemster Gouda
- 2019 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Duck Confit Agnolotti | Red Kuri Squash | Chanterelles | Truffle Pecorino
- 2019 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Monkfish au Poivre | Yukon Gold Potatoes | Chervil
- 2019 Frediani Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Grilled Bledsoe Pork Chop | Fennel | Lucy Glo Apple | Matsutakes
“Sequoia Grove’s diverse portfolio, from expressive single-vineyard Cabernets to elegant Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs, pair beautifully with a variety of cuisines,” says Chef Palmer. “I look forward to creating dishes that move beyond traditional expectations, reveal new sides of the wines, and consistently delight our guests.” His creative incorporation of seasonal ingredients and delicate flavors brings new balance and nuance to the hospitality offerings.
To learn more about Sequoia Grove and upcoming culinary experiences, please visit sequoiagrove.com or follow them on Instagram @sequoiagrove.
About Sequoia Grove
Established in 1979 in a 150-year old barn beneath the majestic groves of endangered sequoia trees, Sequoia Grove Winery is one of the pioneer Cabernet producers in Napa Valley and is a key player in the famed stretch of Route 29 that houses some of the most iconic wineries in America. During their 43 years of elite wine production, Sequoia Grove’s history of commitment to long-term sustainability—both from a climate and business perspective—has come in a variety of forms. Sequoia Grove has been highlighted as one of the first five wineries to be certified under the rigorous new standards of the Napa Green Program, which emphasizes responsible conservation burning, tree and forest preservation, restricted pesticides, water efficiency, carbon farming, and social equity inclusion.
About Kobrand Fine Wine & Spirits
Founded in 1944, Kobrand Fine Wine & Spirits remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirits companies in the United States. Kobrand’s portfolio of fine wine and spirits was meticulously selected according to a single, unerring principle: quality. This continued focus has made the Kobrand name synonymous with wines and spirits of the highest caliber for over 75 years. Kobrand is the sales and marketing representative of Sequoia Grove Winery. In addition, Kobrand is the exclusive agent for an outstanding selection of fine wines, spirits and sakes from key regions around the world, including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand. For more information, about Kobrand and our portfolio visit http://www.Kobrandwineandspirits.com
