As a fourth-generation Lodi grape farmer, wine has always been in my blood. I was raised in a vineyard and spent my happiest days playing in the dirt. And who needs Malibu Barbie’s Jeep when you have a Quantum grape harvester to play with?

Going to work with my dad and grandpa, I attempted to learn all there was to know about my family’s business and the industry I knew I would one day enter. I loved my family and my life but, as it does to so many of us small town kids, the world told me to “get out”, “break free” and experience life “out there”. So I did. 

In 2008 I moved to Seattle and pursued a Bachelor’s degree at University of Washington before going to work in corporate America. But the work I was told should make me happy only left me wanting more out of life. Finally, I decided that it was time to do the bravest thing I could…be myself. In 2018, I moved to Dijon, Burgundy to pursue my dream education – an MBA in Wine & Spirits.

In the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, I began to live the career and life I could never have imagined for myself. I was finally on the right path, my path. I never thought that path would lead me from France back to Lodi. I’ve had people tell me I was crazy for leaving France behind for my family, but in my mind, nothing is crazier than not following your heart.