John Boekenoogen
John grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in the Salinas Valley. He attended California Polytechnic State University where he graduated with a degree in Animal Science. Once graduated John moved back home and continued cattle ranching but also began to branch off into another area of the agricultural industry, farming. He knew in order to make it in this industry he must be diversified. After some time John found himself farming thousands of acres or row crops in the Salinas Valley not far from his family’s cattle ranch. In 1995 John noticed many vineyards going in around him and after some research he decided to start Boekenoogen Vineyards. After some years had passed and much success from growing fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes John decided to build a winery and start the well-known brand they have today.
Susan Boekenoogen
Susan, John’s wife, grew up across the Salinas Valley from the Boekenoogen Ranch. She and John met through Susan’s father, Earl Penix, who was a well know Ag teacher in the area. They married and have three children together, Garrett, Holly, and Kate. Susan is the creative mind in the business when it comes their label design and many other similar areas within their family’s business. Like all the family members Susan has a passion for wine and just enjoys a good glass of Pinot Noir.
Garrett Boekenoogen
Garrett is Master Winemaker and Viticulturist for his family Winery and Vineyards located in the Santa Lucia Highlands and Carmel Valley AVA’s. He is also a 5th generation cattle rancher and works closely with his family, helping manage our Certified Black Angus cattle ranch. Garrett’s degree of education is in Viticulture with a minor in Enology from California State University Fresno. Go Bulldogs!!! He met his wife Molly at Fresno while they were both attending school there. “The Agriculture Industry is one of my true passions, and I believe you never work a day in your life if you love what you do.”
Holly Boekenoogen
Holly attended California State University Fresno where she graduated with a degree in Advertising and Marketing. Upon Holly’s graduation from Fresno State in May 2008, Boekenoogen Winery launched its first vintage under the family’s own label. Holly has spent the years since her graduation helping to build the brand through marketing, advertising and PR avenues. She oversees all aspects of those titles as well as manages all wholesaling. She often says “it’s fun to look back and see how far we have come… or maybe just how much of our wine people drink these days!” Holly is married to her husband, Chris Schneider. The two wed in Carmel, California in October 2015 and welcome their first child, Ava, in the Spring of 2019 and second child, Luke in early 2021. Holly also enjoys spending days with her siblings, Garrett and Kate, on the family ranch working cattle.
Kate Boekenoogen
Kate, the youngest of the three siblings, helps manage the family cattle ranch in upper Carmel Valley. She looks after the cattle herds year round from calving to weaning. There is a lot of hands on, hard work involved in this job description but working with animals every day has always been a passion of Kate’s ever since she was old enough walk.
Molly Boekenoogen
Molly met Garrett while also attending school at California State University Fresno where she graduated with a degree in Kinesiology. Garrett and Molly wed in May of 2012. Molly often jokes “Ten years ago I would have never thought I’d know so much about wine!” Molly and Garrett have three children, Beau (6), Hudson (4), and Lydia (1.5) .