Aaron J. Walker, a Southern California native, was raised amidst the beauty of the outdoors, spending his time at the beach and boating. After high school, he relocated to San Diego for college and stayed for twelve years. It was during this time, while working in fine dining, that he discovered his passion for wine. In 2006, he ventured to California's Central Coast to pursue winemaking, instantly falling in love with the process. Joining Pali Wine Co. in 2007, Aaron started as a cellar hand under the guidance of winemaker Brian Loring. With determination and the mentorship of consulting winemaker Kenneth Juhasz, he quickly advanced, becoming Pali's Winemaker in 2010. Aaron's commitment to continuous learning led him to take courses through UC Davis and seek knowledge from various sources. In 2012, he married his sweetheart, Emily, and they have since enjoyed an active lifestyle with their two children, engaging in sports, travel, camping, hiking, and beach activities on the Central Coast. Aaron's passion for nature and expertise in the technical aspects of winemaking have shaped his career, where he strives to create exceptional wines that invite others to savor life's most extraordinary moments.
Cider is more like wine than beer, but because of the packaging, session-ability, and relative price point, it's been paired up with beer in most markets. Here's why aligning cider with wine could help save the industry.
Lessons learned from a decade-plus of knowing winemaker Aaron Walker; plus, stories you may have missed.
Pali Wine Co. is exploring the white grape’s cool-climate potential in pinot noir land.