Team

S. Kaan Kurtural, Proprietor

S. Kaan Kurtural is a distinguished figure in viticulture. He has worked in vineyards practically for all of his existence. In his formative years he followed his father around the vineyard, learning about the soils, grapes and irrigation methods. He continued to follow in his father's footsteps and entered the viticulture world in adulthood.

Southern Illinois University

After receiving a Ph.D. in plant biology at Southern Illinois University, Kaan began his career as an Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky. After three years in Kentucky, he moved to California where he worked as an Assistant Professor at California State University in Fresno and served as the Bronco Wine Company Viticulture Chair supported by Fred Franzia. In 2015, Kaan moved north and became an Extension Specialist at the University of California, Davis.

University of California

At UC Davis he managed the Oakville Viticulture Laboratory where he spearheaded innovative research on climate change impacts, vineyard mechanization, and sustainable viticulture practices, including the development of a no-touch vineyard system. His efforts at the 18-acre research vineyard near Napa Valley's iconic To Kalon site contributed to advancements benefiting vineyards across California and beyond. In Oakville, Kaan redeveloped the research and teaching vineyards as well as modernized the laboratory and administration facilities. He published over 100 journal articles, and led the Viticulture Group in cooperative extension leading 14 Farm Advisors within the UC System. He also taught numerous viticulture courses, and was a frequent keynote speaker in international symposiums such as the Terroir Congress.

Kurtural Family Vineyards

In 2022, Kaan transitioned from academia to start Kurtural Family Vineyards. He continues his research and development work at Slayback vineyard, constantly working on new technologies to ultimately bring the most distinguished and sublime wines to market. Kaan does the majority of the vineyard management, and works closely with the contractor to ensure the canopy management is completed to his exact specifications.

Outside of work, Kaan enjoys hanging out with his family, attending San Francisco Giants and Sacramento Kings games, and traveling in his free time.

Carrie M. Kurtural, Proprietor

Carrie is a third generation Californian, who grew up in Fresno. Having a passion for art, she attended UC Santa Barbara and majored in Art Studio. After college she moved to Los Angeles and worked as the Dean’s assistant at Southwestern Law School. At Southwestern she met many professors and alumni, influencing her to go to law school. She was the first in her family to attend.

When Carrie moved back to her hometown to start her legal career in private practice she met her future husband, Kaan Kurtural, a Professor of Viticulture at Fresno State. After marrying Kaan and having their first son Anthony, the Kurtural family moved to Davis to support Kaan’s new Extension Specialist position at UC Davis. Shortly after they welcomed their second son, Dominic. Since living in Davis, Carrie has worked for the State of California, Department of Developmental Services. She serves as an Assistant Chief Counsel and works on complex health and human service matters. She also serves as a board member to the State of California’s Committee for Protection of Human Subjects.

In 2022, Carrie worked with Kaan to develop Kurtural Vineyard Consulting, LLC, dba, Kurtural Family Vineyards. In this business they operate Slayback vineyard, where Kaan conducts research and development projects for large agricultural companies.

Inspired by female wine industry leaders she met over the years and other attorneys in the wine industry, Carrie decided to combine her skills with Kaan’s to develop their first wine portfolio in 2024.

Bryce Willingham, Winemaker

Bryce Willingham serves as the winemaker for Kurtural Family Vineyards in Davis, CA. With over 17 vintages to her name—including two international harvests at Drylands Winery in New Zealand—Bryce brings a dynamic blend of global experience, scientific insight, and hands-on expertise to the world of wine. She holds a degree in Enology and Viticulture from CSU Fresno and is WSET Level 3 certified.

Her career spans the full spectrum of winemaking, from boutique producers to leading industry names like E. & J. Gallo and Constellation Brands. She has worked across vineyard and winery operations, with a specialty in French and Spanish varieties, and a particular passion for sparkling wine.

Bryce’s strong research background cultivates her technical and creative sides of winemaking. As a woman in wine, she is deeply committed to mentorship, sustainability, and amplifying the next generation of voices in the industry. Beyond the vineyard, Bryce finds balance and creativity in making pottery, propagating plants, and spending time with her rescue dogs, Jax and Juniper.

Altun, Sheriff

The beloved rambunctious English golden retriever, Altun, a.k.a. “Altie”, holds the coveted Sheriff position at Slayback vineyard. Altie has been a vineyard dog since 2021. He started his career in the heart of Napa Valley, in the famous To Kalon vineyards, at the UC Davis Oakville Station. He is now responsible for patrolling Slayback vineyard, conducting rounds, making sure all jack rabbits, turkeys and foxes are in check.

He also provides unconditional love to all human visitors who pay attention and pet him.