WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
JOHN ALBAN

John Alban, founder of Alban Vineyards, has been named Winemaker of the Year for the 49th annual San Francisco Wine Auction.

In naming Alban Winemaker of the Year, The Guardsmen recognize a key leader of the Rhône Rangers movement — a vintner who helped pave the way for a generation of California Rhône producers after establishing his own Alban Vineyards in 1989. His vision created an entire category of American wine.

Respected as both a grower and a winemaker, Alban is known for a dedicated, low-yield, terroir-driven philosophy. His efforts show how great wine is made in the vineyard. His wines — and his Syrahs especially — have long stood as benchmark examples of what California Rhône varieties can achieve, with a reputation that has withstood the test of time.

“I am honored to be the San Francisco Wine Auction’s Winemaker of the Year. This distinction is especially meaningful to me because it celebrates wine’s remarkable ability to bring people together—and when those precious moments of connection become acts of generosity, wine has served one its greatest purposes.”
— John Alban, Founder, Alban Vineyards

The Winemaker of the Year distinction honors a vintner whose work and generosity advance both the craft of winemaking and the mission of The Guardsmen.

“John is a visionary who saw an opportunity in California wine that others could not see. He importantly then had the conviction to see his vision through and to pave the way for a generation of American Rhône movement winemakers and growers, benefitting the whole community as a result.”
— Hal Davis, Chair, Nominating Committee of the San Francisco Wine Auction

The San Francisco Wine Auction is a signature fundraising event of The Guardsmen, helping to fund over 200 scholarships and over 2000 campership programs for children in need from the Bay Area each year.

“It’s remarkable that the San Francisco Wine Auction is now in its 49th year, having supported the mission of The Guardsmen for almost half a century. Wine connoisseurs and collectors converge on this event not only for the incredible wine but also to support children who need it most in our communities.”
— Mike Darby, President, The Guardsmen

Now in its 49th year, the San Francisco Wine Auction gathers more than 300 collectors and philanthropists for an evening of rare wine and exceptional lots. Online bidding opens September 14–21, with the in-person event beginning at 5:00 p.m. on September 19 with a silent auction and tasting, followed by dinner and the live auction at 7:15 p.m. and the After-Glow celebration at 9:00 p.m. The 2025 auction raised more than $800,000 for The Guardsmen’s programs.