Winemaker

For Dawn Wells, winemaking wasn’t just a career—it was a calling. Her passion ignited in high school during a tour of the University of California, Davis, when she first heard about an underground wine cellar. That single moment sparked an unshakable fascination with enology, setting her on a path of discovery, innovation, and excellence.

Determined to turn her passion into expertise, Dawn earned her BS in Enology from California State University, Fresno, in 2005. The following year, she joined Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) as a lab technician at Beringer Vineyards. Her talent, drive, and relentless pursuit of quality propelled her forward. She became an Enologist in 2006, an Assistant Winemaker for Beringer California Collection in 2012, and by 2017, she was leading as a Winemaker for TWE’s commercial brands.

In 2021, Dawn embraced a thrilling new chapter, moving from Lodi to Paso Robles to oversee a powerhouse portfolio of brands. From Cali Rose, Cali Blanc, and Cali Gold to Sterling Brut, Beringer Brothers, and pioneering new labels like Squealing Pig, Drop of Sunshine, and Cali Styles, she is at the forefront of crafting wines that inspire connection and celebration.

What excites Dawn about being part of Drop of Sunshine?
“What excites me about being part of Drop of Sunshine is the fact that this brand was developed and made by women, for women. It’s so refreshing to be involved in something that doesn’t rely on overused female stereotypes like the ‘mommy juice’ narrative. Instead, the brand focuses on celebrating meaningful life events with the people who truly matter to you—celebrating connection and the essence of womanhood in a genuine way. Getting to work alongside the incredible women in marketing has been the icing on the cake! The collaboration across teams has been inspiring, and I love that we’re all united by the shared goal of empowering women and telling authentic stories. Drop of Sunshine is all about creating ripples of connection—just like the way every bottle brings people together, it’s about the connections we build along the way.”

With nearly two decades of winemaking experience at TWE, Dawn’s expertise and passion shine through in every bottle of Drop of Sunshine. She doesn’t just make wine—she crafts experiences, weaving together flavors, stories, and moments of joy that remind us all of the beauty in connection, one glass at a time.