Kelley & Jim Bailey

Starting from the family sod farm in the Michigan, Jim Bailey has held diverse roles, from investment and financial advisor to environmental entrepreneur to vintner. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a BA in American Colonial History, followed by a joint JD/MBA from Harvard University in 1973. Upon graduation, Jim formed Cambridge Associates to provide investment and financial planning services to nonprofit, endowed institutions.

After raising a family of four boys in the urban environment of Boston, Jim felt drawn to his agricultural roots. He thought to combine his passion for wine with farming and started searching for a vineyard, along with his brother Essel, and friend Tom Costin. In 2006, they purchased a 100-acre parcel of land in Knights Valley, an appellation in Sonoma County, CA. Understanding that great wine starts in the vineyard, they adopted new, sustainable vineyard management techniques, replanted portions of the estate, and hired a team of seasoned professionals who shared their ambition to produce the best wines possible.

Kelley Bailey is a New York native and her career in wine began early on. After earning a degree in Business and Marketing from State University of New York, New Paltz, Kelley’s first introduction to the industry began in 1987 at the Bridgehampton Winery in New York and then as the Northeastern Regional Sales Manager for McDowell Valley Vineyards out of Mendocino County, California.

Kelley began working with Jackson Family Wines in 1993. In 2007 she became Executive Vice President of Marketing, working closely with Jess Jackson and spearheading marketing strategy and brand development across the company portfolio. In 2011, she was named President of the Spire Collection, the company’s portfolio of luxury wines. In her role she managed all strategy and development including brand marketing, national sales, direct-to-consumer, hospitality and culinary. This year, after 27 years with Jackson Family Wines, Kelley retired as President of the Spire Collection, and joined the Board at Jackson Family Wines to serve in an advisory role.

With more than three decades of wine industry experience, Kelley brings exceptional vision and expertise to help shape the future of Knights Bridge Winery. In January 2020, Kelley and Jim embarked on a long-awaited project to build a winery on the estate, making their first vintage there in 2021, and now welcoming guests for tastings by appointment. The winery is only the second ever built in Knights Valley and its construction is the culmination of nearly a decade of thoughtful planning and designing.

Above all, Kelley and Jim Bailey share a commitment to excellence and to giving back. Together, they work tirelessly to generously support a wide range of philanthropic endeavors through their foundation. Fueled by a desire to leave a legacy, the Baileys enjoy spending time with their five grandchildren on the beautiful Knights Bridge estate vineyard, instilling in them a love of the land.