JULIAN GONZALEZ
A Timeline of Excellence
1994
Julian was first hired on as a part-time cellar worker for the harvest of 1994 at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Dominus Estate where he averaged 16-hour days between both wineries.
1995
By May of 1995 he had secured his first full time job in the industry with Louis M. Martini Winery thanks to his relationship with Dominus through Chris Phelps. An ambition to excel and a sense of pride in his work had begun to elevate.
1996
Julian’s career began to escalate when he was offered the position of cellar master at Chateau Potelle, where he worked under winemaker Rolando Herrera for two years. This position marked the beginning of his informal apprenticeship under Herrera, who served as Gonzalez’s mentor for many years to come.
1998
Gonzalez was completely inspired in becoming a Winemaker, to extend his hands-on knowledge he completed multiple enology courses at Napa Valley College and UC Davis in the evenings and weekends.
1998–2001
In the years to follow as Herrera made career changes, Gonzalez went with him and worked by his side: to Vine Cliff Winery for three years, where Gonzalez’s role as cellar master included five months assuming the unofficial role of winemaker; to Paul Hobbs Winery in 2001, where he was promoted to assistant winemaker a year later; to a three-week stint in Argentina at Vina Cobos, part of the Paul Hobbs portfolio.
2004
Herrera’s bootstrapping, entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Mi Sueño Winery. He hired Gonzalez as his assistant winemaker and promoted him to associate winemaker two years later.
2007
Gonzalez moved on to Paul Hobbs Consulting, where he served as lead winemaker for all programs in California. Gonzalez character and work ethic resonated with Hobbs passion, innovation, meticulousness, and attention to detail. Their relationship flourished throughout the decade to come.
2009
Gonzalez acquired client Robledo Family Winery, a partnership cultivated through the years that still stands today.
2013
While still consulting for Paul Hobbs, he returned to Argentina on his own to consult for Nieto Senetiner, where he helped establish winemaking, vineyard, and sanitation protocols.
2016
Guarachi Family Wines became an addition to the Gonzalez portfolio.
2018
By February, Gonzalez parted ways from Paul Hobbs to continue his own venture as consultant winemaker. He continues to implement, his own techniques, experience, and passion with existing and new clients. “My mission is to share talent, passion, and wisdom in every drop of wine that is made for my clients, their success is my success.”
2019
Fall of 2019 Julian’s first harvest of Chardonnay is ready to be picked at Petaluma Gap AVA. Giving birth to his own label “INSPIRACIONES”. The culminating moment that was 25 years in the making.
Wine SCORES

Black Cordon Vineyards
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Cuvee
(98 points, Parker)

Constant Winery
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain
(99 points, Parker)

Constant Winery
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Freddy’s Cuvee
(96 points, Galloni)

Guarachi Wine Partners
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
(99 points, The Somm Journal)

Guarachi Wine Partners
2016/2017 “G” Blend, Napa Valley
(98 Tasting Panel, 98 Tasting Panel)

Guarachi Wine Partners
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage
(96 points, Parker)

Guarachi Wine Partners
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage
(96 points, Parker)

Guarachi Wine Partners
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
(95 points, Parker)

Guarachi Wine Partners
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
(95 points, Parker)

Laird Family Estate
2013 Flat Rock Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
(94 points, Parker)

Stewart Cellars
2016 Nomad
(94 points, Galloni)

Stewart Cellars
2013 Nomad
(94 points, Galloni)

Stewart Cellars
2010 Nomad
(95 points, Parker)
Clients
Ahnfeldt Wines
2009 to 2016
Fairchild
2007 to 2011
Landy Cellars
2008 to 2013
Trombetta Family Wines
2010 to 2014
Black Cordon Vineyards
2007 to now
Guarachi Wine Partners
2007 to now
Robledo Family Winery
2008 to now
Vice Versa Wines
2007 to 2012
Constant Winery
2009 to 2017
Laird Family Estate
2007 to 2014
Stewart Cellars
2007 to 2017
Walker Station Vineyards
2007 to 2013