The culture of wine has been a part of Helen Keplinger's life for as long as she can remember. Her dad had a wine cellar, which was the source of her childhood wine bottle collection — she also collected rocks, an early indication of her future as a winegrower.
Helen earned a degree in viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis in 1998. After completing her formal education, she began working with Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland and David Abreu. She also served as winemaker for Cellars Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scully, Arrow & Branch and Bryant Family Vineyards.
After founding Keplinger Wines in 2004 with her husband, DJ Warner, that became her main focus. Keplinger wines are greatly influenced by Helen and DJ's love of the Mediterranean lifestyle, where they both spent a significant amount of time. They believe that great wine is only possible for great vineyards - they select vineyards, farm grapes and make wine by this mantra.