Jenny Wagner
Coming from a long line of farmers and winemakers, Jenny Wagner inherited a love of farming, an eagerness to get her hands dirty and a willingness to push boundaries.
As owner and winemaker of Emmolo wines, Jenny has created a distinguished and singular style for her Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling. She also oversees production of hillside Zinfandel along with several experimental varieties planted under the Caymus-Suisun label in Suisun Valley, including Italian, French and Greek varieties.
Emmolo is named after her maternal relatives, who arrived in Napa Valley from Sicily in 1923. For many years, the Emmolos ran a rootstock nursery, providing grapevines to many of the area’s growers (including Jenny’s dad Chuck, who founded Caymus Vineyards with her grandparents in 1972).
In addition to Emmolo, Jenny recently launched Caymus-Suisun The Walking Fool, a red blend produced from nearby Suisun Valley. Only a short drive from Napa Valley, Suisun shares a remarkably similar climate and exceptional growing conditions, and the region has quickly become the Wagner family’s second home.
The Walking Fool is named after a long-ago relative who was often seen traveling by foot, thus earning this affectionate moniker. Featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine is smooth and lively, with juicy raspberry, notes of espresso and softly fine tannins. The Walking Fool is the second of Caymus-Suisun’s flagship wines alongside Grand Durif. Besides her winemaking, Jenny is actively involved in Suisun Valley, sitting on the board of the Suisun Valley Vintners and Growers Association.
Jenny feels extremely fortunate to be putting her mark on both The Walking Fool and her Emmolo wines, embracing new techniques in both the vineyard and her winemaking.