A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ullom became interested in wine during a three-year stay in Chile, while on sabbatical from college in the early 1970s. His stay inspired a cross-country trek through Chile’s vast wine-growing regions. It was an education in various climates and soils that has proved invaluable throughout Ullom’s winemaking career. On his return to the United States, Ullom entered Ohio State University to study Viticulture and Enology. He received his degree in 1975.

After six years as a vineyard manager and winemaker in Ohio and upstate New York, Ullom moved to California to become associate winemaker at De Loach Vineyards in Sonoma County. He was promoted to winemaker and vice president in 1991, and contributed to the winery’s meteoric growth from 10,000 to 120,000 cases. Ullom also spearheaded the development of De Loach’s reserve wines and vineyard-designated Zinfandels. The wines he produced during his tenure were consistent gold medal winners at wine competitions.

In March of 1997, Ullom was handed his most prestigious assignment yet – Winemaster for Kendall-Jackson Winery, after working for Jess Jackson on other projects in 1992. Ullom’s impressive organizational and leadership skills, combined with exceptional winemaking talent, influence every wine Kendall-Jackson crafts, from grape to glass.