Napa, Calif.—Julianne Laks, who has worked in winemaking at Cakebread Cellars since 1986, is retiring from the post of winemaker and will be replaced by Stephanie Jacobs who has been assistant winemaker since 2008. Laks joined Cakebread as assistant winemaker and worked with Bruce Cakebread, who is now the winery's president. In 2002, Laks was promoted to winemaker. “I feel very fortunate to have worked with Julianne for so many years,” said Bruce Cakebread in the press release announcing the transistion. “Her passion and dedication to the winery and winemaking have been incredible, and her thoughtfulness and quiet encouragement have made her a friend to everyone who works here.

Jacobs joined Cakebread Cellars in 2004 after receiving a degree in Viticulture & Enology from the University of California, Davis and working at Chalone Vineyard and Bogle Vineyards. She was named assistant winemaker in 2008 and Pinot Noir project leader in 2012 and worked with Laks for more than a decade.