DONNA KATO

Bridging the waters off Japan across the Pacific Ocean to the California coast, Adonna Wines carry a family legacy of farming for Japanese American biochemist-turned-vintner Donna Kato. With her lifelong connection to nature and the intricacies of winemaking, Donna is nurturing a family tradition that originated with her great-grandfather, a peach farmer. Living from the land is embedded in Donna’s pedigree, where agricultural integrity and the highest standards of viticulture meet for the perfection of refined and elegant wine. With a background in biochemistry, she began her career as a research biologist and later founded a successful biotech consulting firm. Along the way, Donna encountered life-altering struggles that she turned into strength and persistence, defining who she is today.

An introductory class to viticulture as an undergraduate at University of California Davis sparked her interest in growing grapes and making wine. After her career in biotech, Donna returned to school to pursue her earlier passion for wine. A graduate with a Master’s Degree in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis, Donna partners with 20-year esteemed winemaker Ashley Holland who has gained national notoriety for her Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Food & Wine magazine recognized Ashley in their 2024 story, “5 New Names To Know Now,” by saying, “She makes excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.” In alignment with their dual love of science — equine veterinarian science for Ashley and Donna’s esteemed career leading a successful biotech consulting firm that ushered in life-saving therapeutics— the two are set to release four Canfield Estate wines in 2025/2026. A breast cancer survivor herself, Donna is dedicated to supporting UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center’s innovative work in developing groundbreaking therapies and NP2, a non-profit organization with a mission to provide lower-cost drug therapies to patients in need.