That specific sense of balance defines Joshua Klapper, the winemaker behind Timbre Winery. As one of the Central Coast’s most thoughtful producers, Josh makes wines that feel calm, confident, and complete. Consequently, they are designed to be enjoyed at the table rather than analyzed from a distance.

Before he ever made wine, Josh spent years serving it. Specifically, he built an award-winning program at the Los Angeles restaurant Sona. Those years taught him how wine fits into real life. Furthermore, he learned how it interacts with food, conversation, and time. Today, that experience still guides every choice he makes in the cellar.

Drawn to production, Josh moved north to Santa Barbara County to learn through hands-on harvests. While working at Au Bon Climat and Qupé, he studied under legends like Jim Clendenen. As a result, he learned to value moderation, patience, and a strong sense of place. These lessons became the foundation of his winemaking style.

Josh founded his first label in 2005, which later evolved into Timbre Winery. The name reflects his belief in the “voice” of the land. Specifically, Timbre focuses on California’s Central Coast regions like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Because of the cooler temperatures and long growing seasons, the grapes develop deep flavor while staying balanced and fresh.

Josh began making kosher wines in 2011 after encouragement from his father. Although it started as a small project, it grew naturally over time. Notably, these are not side projects. The kosher wines come from the same vineyards and use the same high-quality barrels as the rest of the Timbre lineup.

For Josh, this work is deeply personal. For instance, when he visits family and makes kiddush on Shabbat, it is often with a wine he made himself. Therefore, this connection brings his craft full circle, blending tradition with a modern commitment to quality.