At Neal Vineyards, every bottle tells a story—one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to organic farming and sustainable winemaking. The magic behind these wines is the collaboration of two talented winemakers: Head winemaker Martin Mackenzie and associate winemaker Jeff Keene. With decades of combined experience, they bring unique perspectives to the craft, united by their shared love for wine and Neal Vineyards’ ethos of creating world-class, certified organic wines.
Martin McKenzie: A Career Built on Organic Roots
Martin’s journey to winemaking began as a child in New Zealand, sneaking leftover sips of wine from his parents’ dinner parties. However, it wasn’t until his late 20s, while enjoying a glass of Kumeu River Chardonnay, that he decided to turn his passion into a career.
“I was a carpenter at the time, expecting my first child,” Martin reflects. “I knew I wanted a change, and staring into that glass of Chardonnay, the answer was right in front of me. I realized winemaking could combine my curiosity, craftsmanship, and love for the land.”
With nearly 30 vintages under his belt, including a decade at the renowned Stonyridge Vineyard in New Zealand, Martin is no stranger to organic farming practices. His dedication aligns seamlessly with Neal Vineyards’ commitment to Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) methods.
“For me, managing a facility that produces organic wines is second nature,” he says. “Mark’s vision for incorporating biodynamic and regenerative practices has added another dimension to my work, and it’s a privilege to craft wines that reflect Neal’s pioneering legacy.”
Jeff Keene: From Lab Coat to Barrel Room
Jeff’s journey to winemaking started in the lab. As a Food Science Technician, he co-authored scientific papers on grape and wine research, but it wasn’t long before the excitement and passion of winemakers he met began to inspire him.
“At 24, I realized I wanted to turn my love of wine into a career,” Jeff recalls. “I went back to university, traded my lab coat for a harvest internship, and never looked back. Now, nearly 30 vintages later, I’m still as excited and passionate as I was back then.”
For Jeff, working at Neal Vineyards is a natural fit. “Neal’s commitment to ROC and biodynamic farming connects farming with winemaking in a way that enhances the vineyard’s distinctive qualities,” he explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to produce wines that not only have flavor but also meaning. This ethos fuels my passion for crafting wines that tell the story of the land.”
The Neal Vineyards Difference: Organic Roots
At Neal Vineyards, farming isn’t just a means to an end—it’s the foundation of everything. The Neal family has been committed to certified organic farming since the 1980s, making them pioneers in Napa Valley’s sustainable agriculture movement. Today, the vineyards are also Regenerative Organic Certified®, ensuring that every grape is grown in harmony with the land.
For Martin and Jeff, working with organic and regenerative methods isn’t just about adhering to standards—it’s about creating wines with integrity.
“There’s a sense of responsibility here. We’re not just making wine; we’re conserving and restoring the land, and in due course that is reflected in the character and quality of the wine. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these methods impact the final product” Martin explains.
Jeff echoes this sentiment: “ROC and Biodynamic® farming enhance each vineyard’s distinctive qualities. It builds a connection between the farming and the wine itself. Every bottle becomes a true expression of the land.”
From composting and cover cropping to minimal intervention during fermentation, Neal Vineyards’ approach allows the grapes to thrive naturally, producing wines with unparalleled depth and character.
The Art and Joy of Winemaking
Both Martin and Jeff bring their own distinct joys to the winemaking process.
The excitement begins when Martin sees the first grapes of the season. “It’s a mix of horror, pleasure, and determination,” he laughs. “You realize it’s time to start, you feel the purpose of your craft, and you’re driven to make it the best vintage yet.” His favorite part? Monitoring the fermentations, particularly in white wines, where each barrel offers a unique trial.
For Jeff, the thrill is at harvest. “The passion, excitement, and anticipation of the season are like no other,” he says. “Every year is an opportunity to improve and make the best wines the vintage has to offer.” He also relishes the blending process. “That’s where the true skill of winemaking comes through—assembling a final blend that expresses the full character of the vineyards and the vintage.”
Their efforts result in standout wines like Neal Vineyards’ certified organic Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold, structured wine that captures the essence of Napa Valley. Recent high scores from Wine Enthusiast validate their approach, with the 2021 vintage earning 95 points—a testament to the power of certified organic and regenerative methods. Following traditions and not following trends, true to classic wine making style with stylistics set originally years back by Mark Neal of 100% by varietal.
Wine, Family, and Connection
When they’re not crafting wines, both enjoy sharing a glass with their families and friends. “Home is my favorite place to enjoy wine,” Martin says. “Whether it’s my backyard or a friend’s house, wine is about connection and conversation.”
For Jeff, it’s about creating memories. “Wine is best enjoyed with the people you love,” he says. “It’s a way to celebrate life, to reflect on the effort and care that went into every bottle.”
A Team Built on Passion and Purpose
At Neal Vineyards, Martin and Jeff are more than winemakers—they’re stewards of a tradition that values sustainability, quality, and authenticity. Their collaboration with the Neal family and the vineyard team ensures that every wine is crafted with care, reflecting the beauty of Napa Valley and the integrity of certified organic farming.
“It’s extremely rewarding to work with a team that shares the same passion for the land and the wine,” Jeff notes. “Together, we’re creating something truly special—wines that highlight the distinctive, authenticity of Neal Family Vineyards.”
Crafting Wines with Character and Meaning
Martin Mackenzie and Jeff Keene are more than just winemakers; they’re stewards of the land and storytellers through wine. Their combined expertise and passion ensure that every bottle of Neal Vineyards wine embodies the integrity of certified organic farming and the spirit of Napa Valley.
Whether it’s the bold, complex flavors of cabernet sauvignon or the care taken in every step of the winemaking process, Martin and Jeff’s dedication and talent shines through in every sip.
Ready to taste the fruits of their labor? Explore Neal Vineyards’ collection of certified organic wines today.