Beverage Industry & Production Equipment Expert | 

Winemaker | Principal

Brad Warner brings more than five decades of hands-on experience in wine production, winery operations, production equipment, facilities, and winery development.

Brad began his career at Charles Krug Winery in 1967 before joining Robert Mondavi Winery, where he spent nearly 30 years and progressed from Cellar Foreman to Vice President of Production and Director of Property & Facilities. During his tenure, he was significantly involved in the development of Woodbridge Winery and Opus One Winery and oversaw expansion projects at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville.

In 1991, Brad founded Rutherford Equipment Rental, Napa Valley’s first commercial winery-equipment rental company. His decades of experience with production equipment include equipment applications, operating requirements, configuration, utilization, condition, and the secondary equipment market.

Following Robert Mondavi Winery, Brad played a key role in the launch, expansion, and growth of Sawyer Cellars, serving as Vice President, General Manager, and Winemaker. His responsibilities spanned winemaking, production, winery operations, facilities, and wholesale sales, giving him direct experience with both the operational and commercial sides of the wine business. He later continued in senior winemaking and management roles with Foley Johnson Winery following its acquisition of Sawyer Cellars. 

In 2008, Brad and Lisa Warner co-founded Leto Cellars, where Brad continues as winemaker.

Through Warner Winery Consulting, Brad applies this breadth of experience to winemaking, winery operations, production equipment, facilities, wine inventory, marketability, and related technical matters. 

He also serves as a Principal of WARNER Beverage Industry Experts, providing beverage-industry expertise to professional appraisers and attorneys and serving as an expert witness when appropriate.