OUR WINEMAKER: ED KILLIAN

"Chateau Souverain has such an incredible history of making distinctive wines, and I constantly work to carry on that legacy and tradition. My goal is to make each vintage better than the last." - Ed Killian, Master Winemaker

Ed Killian joined Chateau Souverain as Associate Winemaker in 1992 from Lambert Bridge Winery in Dry Creek Valley, and was named Head Winemaker in May of 1996. Just as Lee Stewart championed varietal bottlings, Ed consistently produces outstanding single-varietal wines that represent the best of Sonoma County's Alexander Valley and North Coast appellations. He considers himself the steward of the Chateau Souverain name and its legacy of precision winemaking.

Ed believes the most important part of winemaking is learning the characteristics and tendencies of individual vineyards. He's worked with the same growing areas for more than 25 years, so he has a deep familiarity with the vineyards of Sonoma County, and specifically Alexander Valley. He understands which areas will produce the fruit that gives Chateau Souverain its signature rich, smooth style.

Ed is a native Californian. He earned a bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Redlands and a Masters in Enology at UC Davis. He and his wife Jean live in Healdsburg, CA. When Ed is not making outstanding wine, he is crafting beer as an avid home brewer and also enjoys cooking, scuba diving, traveling and gardening.