Originally from the Oregon Coast, my husband Micole and I moved to Ramona in 2004 after my naval service, which was followed by a career in business development in the Health Care industry, which I was laid off from in 2021. We started making wine in 2005, and in 2006 planted our first vineyard, Ramona Ranch Winery. We have focused on sustainability since 2004 and is San Diego County’s only Certified Sustainable Vineyard and Winery, a distinction we obtained in 2017. We’ve planted an insectary, which invites beneficial bugs and birds to improve the bio-diversity of the farm, recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, in addition to our sustainable certification. I manage the Sustainability efforts and certification process, working closing with the National Conservation Resource District, along with our local conservation agencies.

We specialize in vineyard specific, single varietal wines, like our Estate Tannat and Sangiovese, and our Super Tuscan Blend was awarded a Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition.

My role is the development of our business, including obtaining our winery bond and licensing as a commercial winery and overseeing the tasting room, while handling the marketing and sales necessary to grow our business. Working to continually improve our sustainability, we use native cover crops, have owl boxes, and do not use herbicides on our property, believing that allowing nature to thrive will create the balance we seek in both our wines, as well as our lives.

I also volunteer in our local wine industry, currently serving as the Secretary of the Women’s Wine Alliance, and the Program/Education Director of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association. I’ve been recognized as a “Trail Blazer” in the San Diego Wine Industry, and have hosted three interns though the local community colleges, who are interested in viticulture.

I have an MBA, and obtained my Level Three WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Certificate in 2024.