Maynard James Keenan: The Rock Star Turned Award-Winning Winemaker

First published in FNL-Guide in April 2025

Most know him as the frontman of progressive metal bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, but for the past few years, Maynard James Keenan has firmly established his name in the wine world on the other side of the Atlantic—and there is a very good reason for this.

While most heavy metal music fans may have taken issue with TOOL for taking more than thirteen years to release their latest album, it seems that Keenan did not sit idly during that time. For nearly two decades, he worked to bring Arizona winemaking to international attention, culminating in a campaign that led to the Verde Valley being certified as an official American Viticultural Area in 2021.The Tool frontman`s passion for wine likely stems from his ancestors, as his grandfather was a winemaker in northern Italy. However, his decision to scatter his mother’s ashes in one of his vineyards in 2003 indicates that his connection to grapes is something more profound. A few years later, he launched a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from that specific vineyard, dedicating it to his mother and naming it Nagual del Judith. Even today, this remains his premium label, with the price of the bottle reaching $125.

Caduceus Cellars derives its name from the Latin word for the ancient Greek "kerykeion," the staff carried by the god Hermes and a symbol of commerce. The first wines released were named after relatives of the Apache chief Cochise, who lived in the area where the vineyard is located today, and these labels featured grapes sourced from both the estate and imported grapes from California. The 110 acres owned by Keenan are situated at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 metres, producing approximately fourteen thousand cases annually from these vineyards.

Many artists and bands have lent their names to wine labels, but the lead singer of Tool can truly claim to be a winemaker himself, and indeed one of the rising stars of the wine industry in the United States. His labels have won awards at numerous international competitions, and he has often taken issue with famous peers (like Jon Bon Jovi) who merely lend their names to wines produced by others. Keenan rarely discusses music in his conversations; he prefers to talk for hours about his vineyards and the similarities between Arizona and Mendoza in Argentina, given their altitude and geographical latitude. His philosophy centres on low yield and high-density planting, aiming to produce concentrated and expressive wines while emphasising hand harvesting. One of his distinctive practices is the cultivation of varieties that are not common in the region, such as Nebbiolo and Tempranillo, adapting them to the climate and soil of Arizona, as these varieties are traditionally associated with different climates and terrains. At the same time, anyone who questions his genuine involvement with grapes is encouraged by Keenan to check if he has ever gone on concert tours during the harvest season, from August 1 to October 15.

Although the word "metal" is associated with the music of his main band, he states: “I’ve always considered myself a fish out of water in the metal music scene. I was more interested in artists like Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, and The Byrds. I think that’s reflected in my wines, which are more Pink Floyd than Metallica.”

Here are some descriptions of the wines from the creator himself:

2021 Nagual Del Judith Tempranillo: This expressive Tempranillo from the Judith vineyard showcases the unique character of Arizona. It evokes memories of the old, authentic Riojas before the onslaught of modern interpretations. The nose is dominated by notes of ripe berries, eucalyptus, and wild desert sage, while the subtle presence of oak imparts an old-world sensibility. On the palate, the elegance continues with hints of currant and delicate touches of aromatic cigar smoke.

2021 Nagual Del Judith Nebbiolo: This Nebbiolo from the Judith vineyard demonstrates how this noble Italian variety can be uniquely expressed in Arizona`s soil. It features a complex aromatic profile with notes of spices, smoke, and cocoa. On the palate, it unfolds with a smooth texture and refined structure, balancing elegance and strength. 

2023 Nagual Del Judith Orange: This 100% white Malvasia is cultivated at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is a wine with a pronounced aromatic character, resulting from six days of skin contact during fermentation. With handpicked grapes, it offers a rich body and floral profile that showcases the uniqueness of the variety. Production is extremely limited, with a maximum of 3 bottles per purchaser. 

There is an informative documentary available on YouTube about Keenan`s venture into winemaking titled “Blood Into Wine.” It is truly worth a watch.