Josh Cellars

Joseph Carr founded Josh Cellars in 2007 as a tribute to his father, Joseph Carr senior, who went by the nickname Josh. A native of Berlin, New York, the younger Carr spent over a decade as a sommelier and wine executive before moving to California to produce his own wine. He initially released a small production of Cabernet Sauvignon under the Joseph Carr label in 2005 before launching Josh Cellars two years later. The brand started as a garage project with Carr personally delivering bottles to retailers in the early stages of the company. In 2012, Carr formed a partnership with Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, a move that transitioned the brand from a small operation into a major national label.

The production model functions as a negociant, meaning the company sources grapes from independent growers across various California appellations rather than owning significant vineyard acreage. Sourcing spans the North Coast, Central Coast, and Lodi, allowing the winemaking team to select fruit from diverse climates and soil types. Head winemaker Wayne Donaldson, who previously worked at Domaine Chandon and Louis Martini, directs the blending process. The winemaking philosophy prioritizes a consistent, approachable style characterized by soft textures and prominent fruit flavors. Techniques such as malolactic fermentation and aging in a percentage of new French oak are used to balance acidity and add subtle spice notes to the red wines.

While Cabernet Sauvignon remains the flagship offering, the producer has expanded its range to include Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. A more premium Reserve tier focuses on fruit from specific regions like the North Coast and Paso Robles. The brand has also moved into sparkling wines with the introduction of Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé sourced from Italy. Josh Cellars is now recognized as one of the best selling premium wine brands in the United States, reaching a volume of several million cases annually. In 2021, Wine Enthusiast magazine named it the American Winery of the Year in recognition of its commercial growth and quality consistency.