ABOUT US

A Legacy of Excellence

Kautz & Kramer represents a culmination of a lifetime of passion and dedication. John Kautz, the son of hardworking German immigrants grew up on his family farm in Lodi, California. His parents moved to the U.S. in search of the “American Dream” and purchased a small parcel of land. Gail Kramer, the daughter of a lawyer and English professor, was born in California. John & Gail were married in 1958. Together, they grew their family farming operation and helped pioneer premium wine grapes in Lodi.

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When John Kautz and Gail Kramer became husband and wife, they danced to the classic song “Sentimental Journey.” Sentimental journey, indeed. 

John’s grandparents emigrated from Germany and farmed in the Lodi area. Gail grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, the daughter of a prominent attorney who had land in Murphys. She graduated from College of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where she met John. 

Over the course of their 60-year union, John and Gail have built a remarkable family and an enviable legacy of excellence. Their wine brands have wowed critics and satisfied countless consumers for close to 30 years. 

The passion John and Gail have for each other, their family, and their community has been captured in every bottle of Kautz & Kramer – wines that embody the best John and Gail have to offer. Anything less, and their names wouldn’t grace the label.