Charles McKahn

Associate Winemaker

Charles McKahn's journey into winemaking began at the age of seventeen, working in the cellars of McManis Family Vineyards in his hometown of Ripon, California. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for the craft, leading him to pursue a formal education in Enology - the science of winemaking - at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

After graduating in 2011, Charles relocated to Napa Valley to join the esteemed Chappellet Winery on Pritchard Hill. His dedication and aptitude quickly earned him the role of Enologist, followed by a promotion to Assistant Winemaker. Over five years at Chappellet, Charles honed his skills under the mentorship of Phillip Titus, gaining invaluable experience in winemaking, viticulture, and the art of blending. He then took on the position of Winemaker at William Harrison Winery in Rutherford, Napa Valley from 2016-2022.

Today, Charles serves as a full-time Winemaking Consultant for several boutique wine brands, including his family-owned McKahn Wines. Over the past 14 years, he has cultivated a wide-ranging understanding of diverse terroirs and appellations, including Pritchard Hill, Atlas Peak, Rutherford, St. Helena, Carneros, Russian River, and Sonoma Valley.

In 2022, Charles joined the Acumen team as Associate Winemaker, collaborating once again with Phillip Titus to craft exceptional wines from the Atlas Peak region.