Jake Blodinger is a Virginia winemaker, co-founder of the Norton Network, and co-owner and Director of Winemaking at Wine Fringe Consulting, a full-service wine-making and marketing firm. He is also co-host of the offbeat wine podcast Wine Fringe. As a driving force behind collaborative efforts to elevate Virginia’s native Norton grape, Jake has helped unite producers and foster consumer interest in a variety with deep American roots and immense potential. His work emphasizes sustainability, versatility, and the unique terroir-driven expressions of Virginia wine. Jake’s approach to winemaking blends technical precision with experimentation, exploring techniques such as yeast variation, extended barrel aging, and innovative Norton blends. Beyond Norton, he is particularly enamored with Viognier, a grape he believes showcases both complexity and humility in the glass. Committed to connecting consumers with the story behind the bottle, Jake champions transparency, education, and authenticity in the wine industry. He is inspired by fellow Virginia winemakers who share passion and dedication in their craft, and he continues to push the boundaries of traditional wine marketing and production through collaboration, storytelling, and innovative thinking.