Ludovic Dervin

Stags' Leap Winery

From a young age, Ludovic Dervin was drawn to the people, culture, and art of winemaking. A native of the Champagne region of France, Ludo grew up playing hide-and-seek and foraging for wild mushrooms among some of the most esteemed vineyards in the world. At first, his curious, scientific mind led him to pursue studies in microbiology, but eventually he found his way back to his roots and pivoted to his true calling, enology. He earned his viticulture and winemaking degree at the University in Reims and is today the General Manager and Senior Winemaker for Stags' Leap Winery. Ludovic's winemaking philosophy is informed by the sum of his varied experiences: he makes wine the way he learned in France, to showcase the fruit and not the winemaker's hand, but he applies a technical understanding of each and every step of the process

Jess McDowell

Lindstrom Wines

Jess originally embarked on a career path in dentistry but discovered her true passion for winemaking while studying at UC Davis. After taking an introductory course in enology, she made the pivotal decision to shift her focus and pursue a career in winemaking. This led her to work with one of Napa Valley's most respected figures, Celia Welch, where she deepened her expertise in winemaking through hands-on experience and mentorship.

Today, Jess is the head winemaker for both Lindstrom Wines and Keever Vineyards, where she channels her expertise into creating wines that capture the essence of each vineyard's distinct microclimate. She works across some of California's most renowned AVAs, including Stags Leap District, Rutherford, Yountville, Oakville, Howell Mountain, Pope Valley, Anderson Valley, and Russian River. In addition to leading these wineries, she continues to collaborate with Celia Welch, contributing to some of Napa Valley's most celebrated and sought-after wines.

Marcus Notaro

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Marcus Notaro joined Stag's Leap Wine Cellars as Winemaker in May 2013, bringing with him close to two decades of expertise and passion for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. As winemaker, Marcus manages the winemaking process from grape to bottle, working with vineyard managers and growers, overseeing winemaking regimes and carrying out blending trials. He also works with Marchesi Antinori Chief Enologist Renzo Cotarella to evaluate final blends each vintage. Marchesi Antinori, one of the oldest Italian family-owned fine wine producers, became sole owners of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in July 2023. Since 2003, Marcus has been honing a style of Cabernet Sauvignon that unites old world and new world traditions and innovations, similar to the philosophy long espoused by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Prior to joining Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Marcus was Winemaker at Col Solare, a prestigious winery also owned by Marchesi Antinori in Washington's celebrated Red Mountain appellation.

Alison Rodriguez

Silverado Vineyards

From the steep slopes of the Rheingau and Nahe valleys, to the alpine foothills of the Alto Adige and across Napa Valley, Alison Rodriguez honed her wine making skills in diverse growing regions around the world.

At Silverado Vineyards, Rodriguez oversees all winemaking activities for the luxury winery and its four estate vineyards in Napa Valley's top AVAs including the Silverado Vineyard in Stags Leap District, Mt. George Vineyard in Coombsville, Miller Ranch Vineyard in Yountville and Borreo Ranch in Napa. Rodriguez is proud to carry on the legacy of the Disney-Miller Family as only the third winemaker in Silverado's history. Silverado Vineyards became part of the Foley Family Wines portfolio in July 2022.

Before joining Silverado Vineyards, she spent six vintages as winemaker at The Hess Collection, perfecting her skills in almost 900 acres of estate Napa vineyards with winemaker Dave Guffy and consultant Celia Welch.

"If a picture is worth a thousand words, then being in the vineyards is worth a million. Walking the rows, smelling the air, feeling the warmth of the sun, seeing the contours of the vineyard, all help you envision the glass of wine which can be brought forth by the land and the diligent efforts of your team."