Original Winemaker Kieran Robinson Passes the Baton to Colleague, Acclaimed Winemaker: Introducing Blair Guthrie
March 5, 2026 (West Chester, PA / Napa, CA) — Allison Owen, Founder and President of Turks Head Wines, the bicoastal winery named for its historical town roots that recently swept the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, is pleased to announce a changing of hands: In an exciting transition, celebrated figure Blair Guthrie will take over as head winemaker, filling the shoes of longtime friend, collaborator, and original Turks Head Wines winemaker Kieran Robinson.
Robinson, originally from Chester County, Pennsylvania (where Turks Head Wines’ sprawling tasting room, bottle shoppe and private events spaces are located), split his time between PA and CA and played an integral role in establishing Turks Head Wines’ winery presence in Napa by identifying the vineyards the winery sources from and producing the award-winning wines that now define the portfolio. Since the early days of the business, Robinson helped Owen transform the newly ideated Turks Head Wines into a respected and thriving brand. His 20 years in the California wine industry guided the winery, founded in early 2022, into their current era of steadily accruing notoriety and stabilized success. Now, Robinson moves on to accept a new opportunity abroad.
“While it is undeniably bittersweet to share that Kieran will be stepping away from Turks Head Wines, I could not be happier for him,” said Turks Head Wines founder Allison Owen. “He has been granted the incredible opportunity to relocate to France, to operate a family vineyard and oversee winery production — a dream scenario for any winemaker!”
Robinson and Guthrie share a long-standing relationship dating back to their time working together at Paul Hobbs in 2009. More importantly, they share a winemaking philosophy rooted in restraint, site expression, and craftsmanship over formula; with a deep alignment in how they approach vineyard sourcing, fermentation, and cellar decisions. Through Robinson’s Napa network, Owen was introduced to Blair Guthrie in 2022, and was given the opportunity to purchase Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from Montecillo Vineyard — fruit that became one of Turks Head Wines’ three Double Gold award-winning wines in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Guthrie, born in New Zealand, is a winemaker known for translating rugged vineyard sites into wines with structure, soul, and authenticity. Before discovering his true medium in wine and participating in post-grad courses in enology and viticulture, Guthrie began his creative career painting massive murals in New Zealand, and in graphic design. That artistic sensibility has informed his work throughout his career — blending precision with instinct, storytelling, and a profound respect for place.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take over the winemaking for Turks Head Wines,” said Blair Guthrie. “Kieran and I have grown up in this industry together. Over the years, we’ve shared bottles, vineyard sources, ideas, and plenty of honest conversations about wine, so there’s a deep respect there.”
Guthrie’s journey in wine began in California under the mentorship of Paul Hobbs, and went on to include time in South Australia as assistant winemaker for Brendon Keys of BK Wines. These formative years shaped his philosophy around terroir-driven expression, minimal intervention, and hands-on craftsmanship. He is the founder and winemaker of Guthrie Family Wines, based in Sonoma, and currently serves as winemaker at Stewart Cellars while overseeing farming and production at Montecillo Vineyard on Moon Mountain, which he and his wife Caroline acquired in June 2022. His leadership has elevated site-driven programs that resonate deeply with collectors, sommeliers, and critics alike.
Guthrie noted that he is particularly energized by the opportunity to work with Turks Head Wines’ future allocations of Montecillo Cabernet Sauvignon, and the ability to guide the wine from pruning to picking, through fermentation, aging, and blending.
“When you’re farming the ranch and crafting the wine under one vision, you unlock something deeper. You’re not just making wine, you’re translating a site. Having the chance to do that with Montecillo fruit is incredibly exciting,” said Guthrie. “As Kieran begins a new chapter, I feel incredibly honored to continue the story of this brand. Allison’s wines show beautiful balance, finesse, and a quiet confidence. My goal is to protect that core identity while thoughtfully evolving the wines into the future.”
Blair believes great wine should reflect people, place, and purpose — not corporate formulas. For him, winemaking is equal parts agriculture, art, and discipline. Most importantly, he believes wine should feel honest, alive, and delicious. “I see this as both continuation and momentum,” he noted. “We’ll honor what’s been built, and at the same time push forward exploring new vineyard sources, refining details, and continuing to chase the balance, energy, and authenticity that Kieran has so far produced.”
Said Owen, “I could not be more confident in this transition. Turks Head Wines was built on intentional decisions, thoughtful sourcing, and uncompromising standards. That does not change – if anything, it strengthens. Kieran leaves behind a powerful legacy here, and Blair steps in to continue building upon it with integrity and precision.”
Turks Head Wines are available for purchase at the Bottle Shoppe, located at their West Chester Tasting Room, at 120 Church St. West Chester, PA, as well as online at www.turksheadwines.com. Keep up with the brand on Instagram at @turksheadwines.
ABOUT TURKS HEAD WINES
Turks Head Wines brings handcrafted wines from the vineyards of Northern California to an elevated tasting room and wine lounge in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Turks Head Wines proudly sources, produces, and bottles handcrafted Bordeaux-style wines in the heart of Napa, California. The winery’s robust catalogue of offerings utilize grapes grown in a variety of American Viticultural Areas (AVA) and vineyards, each with their own distinct flavor profiles. From bold reds to crisp whites, Turks Head Wine showcases the best of California’s North Coast terroir.
Founder Allison Owen, a Level 3 Certified Sommelier and Certified Wine Instructor, brings a taste of the West Coast and a chef-driven menu to an elegant tasting room in the heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania. The winery’s name and logo pay homage to The Turks Head Tavern, which played a vital role in the early history of West Chester. Locals would refer to where they lived as “near the Turks Head” and the town affectionately took on the same name. Though the original tavern is gone, the winery continues to honor its legacy through the Turks Head Wines brand.
Keep up with Turks Head Wines on Instagram at @turksheadwines. For more information about private events, tastings, and wine club memberships, fill out the contact form at www.turksheadwines.com.
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ABOUT ALLISON OWEN
With a bold leap of faith, Allison Owen left the corporate world behind and embraced her passion for wine by founding Turks Head Wines. Allison decided to not only source, produce and bottle all of Turks Head wines in California, but to create a place where people could gather and connect over their shared love of wine.
As a Level 3 Sommelier and Certified Wine Instructor, Allison is ready to guide people on their journey of wine discovery at Turks Head Wines.
