The release of our 2022 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon marks an exciting milestone for Collide: the beginning of our collaboration with acclaimed winemaker Jean Hoefliger.

Born and raised in Switzerland, Jean’s journey into winemaking is as dynamic and layered as the wines he creates. With roots in some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions—including Bordeaux and South Africa—Jean refined his craft at iconic estates like Château Lynch-Bages, Château Carbonnieux, and Meerlust. After earning his degree in enology and viticulture from the Swiss Federal School of Changins, Jean brought his expertise to California, where he served as winemaker at Newton Vineyard for five transformative years.

Jean’s career took another leap when he joined Alpha Omega as Winemaker and General Manager, where he deepened his connections with Napa Valley’s top growers and developed a keen understanding of direct-to-consumer business models and national distribution.

Since 2005, Jean has been a sought-after consulting winemaker, lending his expertise to esteemed wineries across the globe. His portfolio spans collaborations with names like Clark Claudon on Howell Mountain; Decades 5, known for 100% Petit Verdot from Stagecoach Vineyard; Armanino Family Cellars, celebrated for Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands, Russian River, and Santa Rita Hills, as well as Napa Valley Cabernets; and Speratus, a boutique winery supporting scholarships for De La Salle High School.

Jean’s passion for the art and science of winemaking, paired with his ability to coax the finest expressions from every vineyard, make him an unparalleled partner for Collide. Together, we are crafting wines that celebrate both precision and artistry, bringing the unique terroir of Alexander Valley to life in every bottle.