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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gonzalez acquired client Robledo Family Winery, a partnership cultivated through the years that still stands today.

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.

Guarachi Family Wines became an addition to the Gonzalez portfolio.

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.”

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.