Landon Donley of Quattro Theory

To winemaker Landon Donley, the beauty of winemaking is in the details.
His intentional, precise practices in every aspect of the vineyard and in
the cellar are what allow him to achieve wines that not only capture a
beautiful reflection of Napa Valley, the vintage and the varietal, but are
well balanced upon release.

Landon’s vision for Quattro Theory draws upon a wealth of hospitality,
fine wine experience, education and mentors. While earning his bachelor’s
degree in business management from California State University–Long
Beach, he worked as a sommelier and bartender at Montage Hotels, a
luxury hotel and resort in Southern California. He then joined the team
at The Wine Club, a fine wine retailer where he sold domestic and import
wines. In realizing that wine was truly his passion, Landon was then hired
as a fine wine sales representative for a California based distributor.
He earned both first—and second—level Court of Master Sommelier
certifications as well as Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) accreditation
from the Society of Wine Educators.

Travels to international winegrowing regions to better understand Old
and New World winemaking styles stoked Landon’s interest further into
learning the intricacies of the art and science of wine. He went back to
school to obtain a second degree, this time in enology, from California
State University–Fresno. After graduating in 2009, he then joined the
winemaking team in the cellar at Molly Dooker in Australia.

Upon the wrap up of harvest 2010, he joined the team at Napa Valley’s
Spottswoode Estate, a pillar in Napa Valley fine wine. Quickly recognizing
his talent, Spottswoode promoted him to assistant winemaker, where he
remained for four years. During his time, Landon worked closely with
Aron Weinkauf crafting the estate’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon and
Sauvignon Blanc. He then joined highly rated, boutique Napa Valley
producer Buccella as winemaker. For five years he led the winemaking
vision for small production wines, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon
and Merlot.

Landon has been leading Quattro Theory since its inception 2021, and
currently resides on Howell Mountain with his wife—a fellow winemaker
in Napa Valley—and their family.