Charles McKahn joins family winery in St. Helena
Napa Valley, January 2026 —Eric Titus, the proprietor of Titus Vineyards in St. Helena, announces that Charles McKahn has joined the winery as Winemaker. “We’re delighted to welcome a winemaker of his caliber to our operation,” he said. “Chuck brings a great depth of Napa Valley expertise to our team,” he added. McKahn has just completed his first harvest at Titus.
Charles “Chuck” McKahn is a graduate of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Viticultural and Enology Program. He hails from Ripon, California, in the heart of the Central Valley’s agricultural hub. Chuck developed a deep-rooted passion for the wine industry from an early age. Surrounded by California agriculture and immersed in the wine culture around the family table, Chuck knew early on that winemaking was his calling. He made good on this pursuit when he graduated from Ripon High School and landed a job with the local McManis Family Vineyards in the lab and cellar, establishing his plans to pursue winemaking in college. His studies at Cal Poly solidified his drive to be an accomplished professional in the California wine industry. After graduating with honors in 2011, Chuck began his winemaking career with an internship at Chappellet Winery on Pritchard Hill, working under Winemaker Phillip Titus. Over the following five years, he was promoted to Enologist and subsequently to Assistant Winemaker. Chuck left Chappellet to become Winemaker at William Harrison Winery in 2016, where he spent six years honing his skills in crafting small-production Bordeaux wines, earning acclaim for his Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Chuck has since expanded his experience by consulting for a diverse line-up of small wineries. In the process, he cultivated a wide-ranging understanding of Napa Valley’s various terroirs and appellations, including Pritchard Hill, Rutherford, St. Helena, Atlas Peak, and Carneros. Over the years, Chuck has collaborated with Phillip Titus on many independent projects, continually refining his skills and insights. Ultimately, Chuck’s diverse winemaking skills and familiarity with the Titus family made him a natural fit to become the Winemaker at Titus Vineyards.
About Titus Vineyards
Titus Vineyards is a family owned 50-acre vineyard and winery located at the base of Howell Mountain along the Silverado Trail in the heart of the St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley. The history of the property extends back to 1841 and includes General Marino Vallejo, Dr. Edward Bale, Charles Krug, and Eli York. The land has been continuously farmed for over 150 years, with the Titus family’s first harvest in 1969. Dr. Lee Titus, a radiologist, practicing in Sonoma at the time, purchased the land in 1968 and soon after, took over farming the vineyard. Lee oversaw planting all five Bordeaux varietals as the old vineyards were being replanted.
Titus Vineyards’ tasting room offers a stunning view of the winery’s 50-acre vineyard estate in the heart of the St. Helena AVA, with its floor-to-ceiling glass and outdoor seating with Valley views to the south, west and north of the property. The winery, at 2971 Silverado Trail North in St. Helena, is open seven days a week by appointment. More about the winery.
The winery’s current releases are 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $37), 2023 Catie’s Corner Viognier ($46), 2023 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir ($58), 2023 Napa Valley Zinfandel ($54), 2022 Merlot ($60), 2022 Malbec ($62), 2022 Cabernet Franc ($68), 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon ($68), 2022 Family Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($115), 2021 Imperatus ($245), 2021 Lot 1 ($92), 2021 Petite Sirah ($62), 2021 Petite Sirah Port Style Dessert Wine ($56, 500 ml).
