Honors Veteran Napa Winemaker’s Illustrious Multi-Decade Career
(NAPA, CALIF., August 14, 2024) – Quintessential, a distinguished import, marketing and sales company specializing in global family-owned wineries, proudly reflects on its decades-long partnership with Robert “Bob” Pepi Jr., a legendary figure in the winemaking industry. As Bob moves into semi-retirement and their professional collaboration concludes, Quintessential recognizes his exceptional career and steadfast dedication, which have profoundly influenced both the company and the world of wine.
Steve Kreps Sr., co-owner of Quintessential, reflects on Bob’s contributions, stating, “Bob has been an integral part of our winemaking team at Quintessential, working on important Quintessential wine brands such as Two Angels, Samuel Charles, Bodegas Bianchi, TerraPura and his own label, Eponymous. His skill in crafting outstanding, terroir-forward wines has always impressed us. While we’ll miss working with him, we are deeply grateful for his invaluable contributions to Quintessential.”
Bob’s journey in winemaking began in the mid-1960s when his father, Robert Pepi Sr., purchased land in Napa Valley. While Bob initially pursued a degree in Zoology, his passion for wine led him to study at the University of California’s esteemed Enology program in Davis and The Wine Lab in St. Helena.
In 1980, Bob and his father established a winery on their Oakville property, which boasted over 70 acres of prime Napa vineyards. For more than a decade, Bob served as winemaker and general manager of Robert Pepi Wines, where his wines consistently achieved best-seller status and received 90+ ratings. Notably, his first Cabernet Sauvignon earned a “Cellar Selection” designation from Wine Spectator. During this time, Bob also began collaborating with Steve Kreps Sr., forging a friendship that would last for four decades.
In 1991, Bob took on the role of general manager for Stimson Lane’s California operations, producing award-winning wines, including a highly rated Cabernet-based Conn Creek wine. Following the sale of the Robert Pepi label to Kendall-Jackson in 1994, Bob transitioned to a successful career as a consulting winemaker. His expertise extended across over 60 harvests and included notable California labels such as Samuel Charles and Two Angels, as well as international ventures with Bodega Valentin Bianchi in Mendoza, Argentina, and TerraPura in Chile. In 2000, Bob launched Eponymous Wines, marking his return to ownership and producing a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon that embodied his philosophy of fun and enjoyment in winemaking.
In semi-retirement, Bob will continue to consult for a small, select group of clients. Quintessential extends its heartfelt gratitude to him for his extraordinary contributions and wishes him well in the next phase of his life. His legacy of excellence will continue to inspire and shape the wine industry for generations to come.
For more information on Quintessential or inquiries, please contact Louise Jordan DipWSET, Director of Communications, at ljordan@quintessentialwines.com.
About Quintessential: Based in Napa, California, Quintessential is a leading fine wine importer, marketer, and sales company exclusively representing family-owned wineries and distilleries. Guided by father and son, Steve Sr. and Dennis Kreps, Quintessential celebrates expressions of renowned terroir from around the world, with a global portfolio comprising 33 families, 45 wineries and 2 distilleries across 12 countries.
