Who we are

Meet Cody Hurd, a pivotal force behind the magic at Somerston Estate. Cody has been an integral part of our winemaking team since the very beginning, bringing his passion and expertise to every bottle we produce. Starting his journey in the cellar, Cody’s hard work, dedication, and natural talent quickly set him apart, culminating in his well-deserved promotion to Winemaker in 2023.

For 13 years, Cody had the privilege of working under the mentorship of our founding Winemaker, Craig Becker. This experience allowed him to absorb Craig’s vast knowledge and innovative techniques, shaping Cody into the exceptional Winemaker he is today. His deep understanding of the winemaking process and his creative flair ensure that each vintage truly reflects Somerston’s unique terroir.

Cody’s favorite part of the job? “Making Napa Valley Cab!” he enthusiastically shares. His passion for crafting outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon is evident in every sip. Cody works closely with our Director of Vineyard Operations, Jake Knobloch, constantly exploring new and innovative techniques to elevate our wines. His commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation drives him to push the boundaries of what our wines can achieve. Each bottle of wine is a testament to his skill, creativity, and the legacy of excellence fostered through years of dedication and mentorship.

Alex was born and raised in St. Helena and has been in the wine industry for over ten years. He has always had a passion for classic cars, so he pursued a career as a mechanic but fell in love with mountain fruit cabernet along the way, which inevitably led him to Somerston.

Since joining Somerston Wine Company in 2019, Alex has worked in several departments. His passion for providing every guest with a memorable experience is evident in his approach to each day.

When not at work, Alex can be found at the gym, walking the vineyards with his dog, Nala, or traveling the world with his wife, Itzel.

A native of the Washington DC metro, Cory moved to Utah to pursue a path in ice hockey while studying at Utah State University. In 2015, while on his honeymoon in Europe, Cory discovered his true passion for wine. Upon returning to Utah, he decided to enter the restaurant industry to learn more about wine. He began his studies and later became a Sommelier and Beverage Director for a local restaurant group in Salt Lake City. In September of 2021, Cory and his husband made the jump to the Bay Area, where he joined the team at Somerston Wine Company. He continues to be driven by his passion for wine and loves sharing that enthusiasm with others.

Jose joined the Priest Ranch team at the beginning of 2018. He was born and raised in Napa Valley and began seasonal work harvesting and pruning at various wineries when he was sixteen. When he’s not on the clock, he keeps himself very busy at the gym, taking dancing lessons, or working a second job. He considers himself humble and likes to help those in need when possible: “Treat those the way you would like to be treated.”

After a long week of work, he treats himself to a glass of Blanton’s (Bourbon) on the rocks or a glass of wine while surrounded by good company and watching a movie. He mentioned that he doesn’t travel much, but if he had the opportunity, his first choice would be Japan.

His passion for wine & exceptional hospitality makes each customer experience memorable.

Mara has been with Priest Ranch since spring 2023 and has brought years of hospitality experience and a passion for our wines as well as her team. Mara always brings a bright, warm smile with her to share with her colleagues and guests every time she’s on the floor. When she’s not hosting impeccable experiences, Mara loves to spend time with her husband, two sons, and other members of her family. Her other passions include watching sports, having dance parties with her family and friends, and her boutique floral arrangement business! She earns credit for all of the amazing arrangements found in our tasting room. Follow along on her Instagram @weedsinajar_!

Francisco, or Paco as the team calls him, joined the Priest Ranch hospitality team in the summer of 2023 after spending time working in the wine industry in Paso Robles. With most of his family settled in Napa, Paco felt it was time to bring his passion for wine back to Napa and with Priest Ranch. During his time off, Paco loves to spend time with his family, watching sports, or visiting other Napa Valley wineries to keep his palate sharp and educated on other wines. When he’s not enjoying hosting our guests or out wine tasting with friends, you can find Paco spending time with his beloved cat Pinot Gris.

Chef Dan brings an impressive resume that showcases both his Michelin-starred experience and humble Midwestern roots. Focusing on approachable cuisine that melds his affinity for Chicago-style dishes, and high-quality, seasonal ingredients, passion for fermentation, his vision and concept have created the standard for what to expect from our menu, a casual yet delectable collection of dishes that perfectly complement Priest Ranch’s portfolio of wines.

While Kate is one of the newest additions to the Priest Ranch and Somerston teams, she’s certainly no stranger to hitting the ground running—ideally towards a glass of Rosé. Inspired by the boundless creative potential of events and experience marketing, Kate embarked on her journey over a decade ago and has since continued to deliver remarkable results.

Following her college years in the quaint town of Northfield, Minnesota, Kate dove head-first into the whirlwind of live performance production. Honing her skills while traveling the globe with Garrison Keillor and the cast of “A Prairie Home Companion”, Kate mastered the art of adaptability that would prove vital ever since. After a transition from those big stages to Big Tech in San Francisco, Kate discovered a new wealth of opportunities while producing corporate events – and through expansion into Wine Country, ultimately found a home amidst the rolling hills of the Napa Valley.

Here, she continued to cultivate meaningful connections within the events and hospitality industries, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge engagement strategies into the fabric of the region’s vibrant food and beverage scene.

At the heart of Kate’s approach lies a dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, crafting tailored solutions that leave lasting impressions. Often acting as a catalyst for business growth, Kate’s ability to navigate complexities with grace and transparency has earned her a reputation as a trusted partner and invaluable asset to clients and colleagues alike.

When not diligently attending to emails and clearing her phone of notifications, Kate can often be found savoring a mimosa in Downtown Napa with her husband and their red-haired toddler.

Wallenbrock’s passion for wine was first sparked during a 1974 trip to Napa Valley and has driven his enthusiasm to make an impact in the industry since. Over four decades, he has held influential roles, including global vice president of marketing at Robert Mondavi, president of Michel-Schlumberger, and president and chief executive officer of C. Mondavi & Family. He also founded Humanitas Wines in 2001 as a social enterprise supporting charitable causes.
Known for his marketing savvy and commitment to building wine culture, Wallenbrock has earned wide respect across the industry. His proven track record of success, coupled with his deep knowledge of the wine industry, makes him the ideal candidate to carry forward the legacy of this esteemed winery.

Jake has been managing vineyards in Napa Valley for 21 years. He was raised in San Luis Obispo and attended Cal Poly, then after finishing his Bachelor’s Degree, he went work for J Lohr and fell in love with the wine industry. He quickly moved to Napa and worked for the Pina Family and Diageo before joining the team at Somerston.

Working at Somerston is a dream come true for Jake. His office is the vineyard of a 1,615-acre estate, and he feels blessed to manage a quality-driven vineyard staff and a magnificent property. He takes pleasure in working towards the team goal of safely and sustainably farming the highest-quality wine grapes. For Jake, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Jake lives in wine country with his wife Kristina and two children, Cameron and Hunter. When he’s not working, he and his family are camping, dirt biking, or playing golf.

Margeaux McLain joined Somerston Wine Company in 2015 as the Eastern US Sales Manager, with 17 years of diverse wine industry experience. She started her career in a retail wine store, which quickly led to the management of a restaurant wine program and then onto distribution sales before managing multiple iconic portfolios as a supplier representative. Margeaux, the second of four children, was raised in Tallahassee, Florida. As a child, she spent most of her days exploring and learning outside, surrounded by nature. Guided by her passion for plant conservation and landscape restoration, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Florida A&M University. An avid gardener to this day, Margeaux currently resides in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband, two children, and rescued dachshund.

James Peterson has been the Western Regional Sales Manager for Priest Ranch Wines since May 2021. With over two decades of experience in hospitality and wine, he brings extensive knowledge, passion, and leadership to the team. James manages sales strategies and key accounts across regions west of the Rocky Mountains while leading a dynamic sales team.

Born in Wisconsin and raised in Wyoming and New Mexico, James began his career in Vail, Colorado. Starting as a busser, he quickly advanced to clubhouse manager at Cordillera Country Club. His wine industry journey began in 2007 at Splendido at the Chateau at Beaver Creek, where he served as dining room director and sommelier. There, he curated a wine list focused on small production producers and excelled in storytelling through wine.

In 2011, James and his wife moved to Napa Valley, where he worked at boutique wineries like Gargiulo Vineyards and Miner Family Winery. He later became Western Regional Sales Manager at Signorello Estate, managing sales and distribution in the Western U.S. This was followed by a role as district sales manager at Epic Wines & Spirits, overseeing the North Bay sales team and key accounts.

In 2021, Priest Ranch’s Cofounder and Founding Winemaker, Craig Becker, welcomed James to the team. Drawing on his rich background in hospitality, fine dining, and wine sales, James represents Priest Ranch’s wines and values, building relationships across the Western U.S.

“My life has been about communication. Whether at a winery, restaurant, or distributor, sales is about building relationships, establishing trust, and delivering value,” says James.

When not working, James enjoys rowing, golf, and spending time with his wife and two young children.

Ron Smith, a seasoned professional in the wine industry, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as Key Account Manager Southern California at Priest Ranch Wines. A 1981 graduate of California Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Ron’s journey in the wine world began shortly after his graduation, despite the academic detour and multiple transfers that marked his college years. During his time at Cal Lutheran, Ron was an avid baseball player, dedicating four years to the sport, including a year at Pasadena City College and three years at Cal Lutheran.

Ron’s professional adventure started with a hands-on harvest experience at Lytton Springs Winery in 1981. This formative year sparked his lifelong enthusiasm for wine. He then transitioned into sales roles with Bruce McCumber Wine Sales (1983-1984) and Southern Wine and Spirits (1984-1985), before embarking on a long and impactful tenure at Wine Warehouse, where he worked from 1986 to 2023. During his time at Wine Warehouse, Ron successfully developed and expanded their business across the highly competitive West Side of Los Angeles, witnessing and adapting to the significant changes and consolidation trends within the industry.

His deep-rooted passion for wine was further cultivated through his travels in the Napa and Sonoma regions during the early 1980s. Now, with Priest Ranch Wines, Ron has come full circle, returning to his roots by working for a small, estate-driven, prestigious Napa producer.

Outside of his professional life, Ron enjoys a rich personal life with his two grown children, Tyler (32) and Karly (30). His hobbies include traveling, cooking, cycling, and golfing, activities that complement his dynamic career and enhance his appreciation for the finer things in life.

Melissa Jackson is the innovative Marketing Director at Priest Ranch Wines, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, and Somerston Estate, combining adaptability, passion, and ongoing learning influenced by her upbringing in a military family across various locations. Her journey into the wine industry began with an accounting career until a meeting with Craig Becker at Somerston Estate shifted her path toward wine, captivated by the Estate’s beauty and Becker’s vision.

Lacking a formal marketing background didn’t hinder Melissa; she transitioned from hospitality to marketing within the company in 2014, enhancing her skills through practical experience and educational pursuits at Sonoma State University. Her approach to marketing is colored by her diverse experiences, and she aims to incorporate innovative strategies from beyond the wine industry to avoid repetition.

Beyond her professional role, Melissa is deeply invested in her family, being a mother to four daughters and a partner to her husband, Trevor. Her free time is spent engaging in creative activities like pottery and painting, as well as enjoying beachside relaxation and cozy moments at home. Melissa is committed to elevating the profiles of Priest Ranch, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, and Somerston Estate, focusing on excellence, respect for the land, and team spirit to make a lasting impact on the wine industry and their community.

A native of Ithaca in upstate New York, Emma resided in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Texas before returning to New York for her education at the Rochester Institute of Technology. During her undergraduate studies in professional photographic illustration, she developed a passion for food photography and the hospitality industry, which provided a natural progression for her to earn her Master of Science in hospitality and tourism management.

With a background in photography, a passion for hospitality, and a deep family connection to fine wine, Emma set her sights on the Napa Valley upon graduation in 2016. Leveraging connections and an impressive skillset, she secured her first position as a wine educator at Napa Valley’s Miner Family Winery, which she later transitioned into an events and marketing coordinator role. Seeking to engage in a variety of facets in the wine industry, she went on to serve as wine club manager at Mark Herold Wines, as well as general manager and lead sales at Heron House Yountville.

With a longstanding interest in marketing, in 2020, Emma’s inherent sense of curiosity drove her to pursue a position at Astra Digital Marketing Agency, where she worked with multiple wineries spanning the West Coast, managing content and email marketing, social media campaigns, and paid advertising. When Astra was acquired in 2022, she was invited to join FlyWithWine as a Marketing Manager, where she gained retail e-commerce experience.

As controller for Priest Ranch Wines and Somerston Estate, Patty Ketchum brings a wealth of accounting experience and a deep passion for the wine industry to her role. With over two decades of proven success working with some of California’s most respected producers, Patty has honed her skills in financial management and strategic planning, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Magali, our Membership & Customer Service Manager, is a proud Napa Valley native from St. Helena and the first in her family to graduate from college. Her passion for exceptional service began early, selling tamales with her mom at the Calistoga farmers market since she was 10 years old. With extensive experience in the wine industry, including roles at Frank Family, Far Niente, and Opus One, she has been specializing in club memberships since 2017. Magali’s deep-rooted local knowledge and dedication to customer care make her an invaluable part of our team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and French Bulldog, Penelope.