Our Story
College sweethearts, Jeff Owens and Valerie Angelo began their journey in wine while attending California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Jeff was first introduced to the discipline through his college roommates, and after enrolling in his initial course, he quickly developed a deep passion for the craft. What began as curiosity soon evolved into a dedicated pursuit rooted in both study and exploration.
Over the next four years, Jeff and Val immersed themselves in the world of wine. They spent weekends visiting nearby wine regions, refining their palates and gaining an appreciation for the nuances of each vintage. While Valerie pursued her degree in Journalism, Jeff became a member of the university’s inaugural graduating class in Wine and Viticulture. Upon graduation, the pair set their sights on Napa Valley, united by a shared vision to build a lasting legacy centered around Cabernet Sauvignon.
As Jeff honed his winemaking expertise, Valerie built a career in sales, with the long-term goal of supporting and growing their shared dream. The couple married in 2007, bringing together the Angelo and Owens families, both grounded in tradition, resilience, and strength. They welcomed their first son, Rylan Jeffrey Owens, in 2011, followed by their second son, Declan Daniel Owens, in 2013, further strengthening the foundation of family at the heart of their journey.
In the fall of 2021, after two decades of dedication, sacrifice, and continued learning, Jeff and Val founded Angelo Owens Wines. What began as a shared aspiration in college ultimately came to fruition as a family-driven brand built on passion and perseverance. At its core, Angelo Owens reflects a commitment to quality, integrity, and craftsmanship. Jeff’s expertise is evident in each vintage, with wines that are terroir-driven and thoughtfully crafted to express both place and purpose.
Reflecting on their journey, Proprietor Valerie Owens shares:
“Our brand has been a goal of ours since college. To see it come to fruition is truly a dream realized. This journey is a reminder to never lose sight of your dreams. No matter how long they take, or the sacrifices required, hold fast to what inspires you.”
Angelo Owens Wines is a family-owned and operated winery built on love, passion, and a deep commitment to quality and integrity. Founded by Jeff and Valerie Owens, the brand reflects a life and journey shared together, both in family and in craft.
At the heart and soul of Angelo Owens Wines is the Knot, our signature and guiding symbol. It represents unity, strength, and the unbreakable ties of family, weaving together everything we believe in.
Through this emblem, we honor our deep connection to family, to the land, and to the wines we so thoughtfully create. Each bottle is crafted with care and intention, reflecting a bond that is enduring, meaningful, and forever intertwined, just like the Knot that defines us.
We are honored to share our story with you, and even more excited to share our wines.
Valerie Angelo Owens
Proprietor
With a degree in Journalism and a minor in Law from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Valerie Owens began her career driven by a genuine curiosity about people, communication, and connection. After graduation, she entered the world of sales with clear intention, to better understand how to share ideas, build meaningful relationships, and bring a vision to life.
Even then, Valerie and Jeff were already dreaming about the brand they would one day create together, a vision first sparked in college as they sketched out possibilities in their small apartment. What began as a shared dream during those early years would ultimately grow into the foundation of everything they are building today.
Valerie’s path took her through a variety of sales roles, including time in the corporate world, before ultimately finding her place in the wine industry. Along the way, she developed a well-rounded expertise in private client relations, wine club management, and regional sales. Her approach was always grounded in authenticity, valuing genuine connections and thoughtful communication above all else.
When she became a mother, Valerie embraced the role wholeheartedly, pouring her energy into raising her two sons while never losing sight of “the dream.” During those years, she returned to her love of writing, contributing to Napa Valley Life Magazine and the Napa Valley Register. Through her work, she stayed closely connected to the community, cultivating relationships and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Today, Valerie steps into the role she and Jeff envisioned more than 20 years ago. Warm, driven, and deeply relational, she brings both heart and experience to Angelo Owens Wines. Working alongside her husband and best friend, she leads with intention, helping shape a brand rooted in family, authenticity, and a shared passion for creating wines that are as thoughtful and expressive as the people behind them.
Jeff Owens
Winemaker
Jeff Owens has built a reputation not just as a winemaker, but as a visionary whose work consistently defines excellence. He made history early in his career, becoming the first winemaker to receive a perfect 100-point score on his inaugural vintage at Odette Estate in the Stags Leap District, an extraordinary achievement that immediately positioned him among the industry’s elite. Remarkably, this was only the beginning. Over the past decade, Jeff has continued to deliver, earning scores ranging from 98 to 100 points across every vintage, a testament to both his precision and unwavering commitment to quality.
Jeff’s journey began in the cellar with the PlumpJack Group, where he trained under acclaimed winemaker and mentor Tony Biagi. Through dedication and an exceptional work ethic, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Assistant Winemaker for both PlumpJack Estate and Cade Estate. In 2012, he was selected as the founding Head Winemaker for Odette Estate, an opportunity that would ultimately cement his place in winemaking history.
With nearly two decades of experience, Jeff has become synonymous with craftsmanship, integrity, and passion. His approach is deeply rooted in a “ground up” philosophy, one that emphasizes thoughtful vineyard development, meticulous winemaking practices, and a profound respect for terroir. Beyond the cellar, he has played an integral role in shaping successful wine programs, from vineyard design to assembling top-tier teams, always with a focus on producing wines of exceptional character and distinction.
Today, Jeff brings this same level of excellence to Angelo Owens Wines, where every bottle reflects his expertise and dedication to the craft. He also extends his knowledge through Jeff Owens Wine Consulting, partnering with clients to help them elevate their own wine programs and achieve lasting success.
For those who value authenticity, precision, and world-class quality, Jeff Owens’ wines offer more than just a tasting experience, they represent the culmination of a career defined by passion, innovation, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
Check out Jeff Owens Wine Consulting at: https://jeffowenswineconsulting.com/
Our Future
Angelo Owens Wines is more than a family-owned and operated brand, it is a living expression of family, love, and a shared passion for wine and viticulture. Founded by Jeff and Valerie Owens, the vision has always extended beyond the present, with an intentional focus on building something meaningful for the future, together.
At the heart of the brand is the Owens family itself. Joined by their two sons, Rylan and Declan, Jeff and Val are not only creating exceptional wines, but also cultivating a legacy rooted in education, curiosity, and hands-on experience. Their sons are the inspiration behind the Figure 8 Knot Series, a collection that symbolizes the next generation and the enduring journey of growth, learning, and connection.
The love knot serves as the signature of Angelo Owens Wines, an emblem rich with meaning. It represents unity, togetherness, and the unbreakable bond of family. Much like the knot, the Owens family is intertwined, each member playing an integral role in shaping the story, strengthening the foundation, and carrying the vision forward. It is a symbol not only of where they come from, but where they are going.
With a “ground up” mentality, Jeff and Valerie approach each step with intention, whether in the vineyard, the cellar, or within their family. Their commitment to quality is matched only by their dedication to growing thoughtfully, ensuring that every decision reflects their values and long-term vision.
As Angelo Owens Wines continues to evolve, the excitement for what lies ahead is unmistakable. With their sons at the center of that future, the journey is just beginning, one rooted in purpose, guided by passion, and tied together by a bond that only grows stronger with time.
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