Alex Cose combines his experience with international winemaking, business relationships throughout the United States and Europe, and a background in accounting to all of his projects. His talents can take a wine from vineyard to table, including grape selection, negotiating contract winemaking arrangements, winemaking, cellar operations, consultation in final packaging decisions and sales.
Alex’s winemaking credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology from California State University, Fresno, with internships at Monticello Cellars in Napa, Renwood Winery in the Sierra Foothills, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards in St. Helena. He also worked for Wells Fargo Bank as a banker before returning to college to pursue winemaking.
Alex’s enthusiasm and winemaking skills landed him the position of production manager at Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga in 1997 upon his graduation from college. He remained for six vintages. Here, he was part of the winemaking team under Mark Aubert producing world class Chardonnays, Cabernets and the winery’s first Pinot Noirs. Alex took his winemaking skills to the next level and gained tremendous experience and knowledge making some of the most expensive wines produced in California and sought after worldwide.
Alex next chose to join Purple Wine Company, a virtual winery, where his negotiating, accounting and winemaking skills made him essential to the senior management team and its success. From 2002 to 2013, Alex crafted wines priced in the $10 – $25 range from grapes sourced throughout California and abroad. As part of the original launch team, he grew the winemaking program from approximately 30,000 cases to 1,000,000 cases in 10 years, resulting in the sale of Mark West Winery in 2012 to Constellation Brands. When the owner of Purple Wine Company purchased a custom crush facility with three locations in Sonoma County, Alex also served as the Director of Winemaking for several years. Alex additionally traveled the country making sales presentations to distributor management teams, sales teams, and retail and restaurant accounts presenting Purple’s wines.
Alex currently consults for wineries around the globe. He lives in Sonoma County with his wife and two daughters. All are avid travelers, ice hockey fans and enjoy participating and supporting local community events.