Born and raised in St. Helena, Cole Ballentine is a fifth-generation Napa Valley native whose passion for winemaking was shaped early on by following his father through vineyards and cellars as a child.
A former quarterback and basketball player at St. Helena High, Cole went on to study business management at Montana State. He spent his summers back in Napa, working with Wilbur Ellis and gaining hands-on experience in vine health and vineyard management.
In 2015, Cole joined the family business full-time and is involved in every stage of production—from bottling to blending, which remains his favorite part of the process. His approach is grounded and meticulous, treating each vintage with care and intention.
Smoking Gun Wines was inspired by Cole’s fascination with the stories of the Wild West and the legacy of John Weinberger, who founded Napa’s first stone winery. The 100% Cabernet Sauvignons in the Smoking Gun portfolio reflect Cole’s commitment to authentic, quality-driven winemaking rooted in history, heritage, and a deep connection to Napa Valley.
Cole lives in Napa with his wife, Brooke, and their dog, Riley. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking and spending time at the family’s ranch on Howell Mountain.
