Napa Valley Vintners Leadership Program
Establishing the next generation of leadership for Napa Valley.
The NVV Leadership Program
The NVV Leadership Program is a tailor-made, unique endeavor in the world of wine; designed for driven professionals with a desire to grow and contribute to the greater wine community.
This nine-month program includes in-person sessions, inspirational speakers, thoughtful conversation, outside reading assignments and work on a group project. It offers stimulating environment of personal and professional development in which each participant takes responsibility and shares ownership.
The group will formulate innovative and visionary responses to challenges, develop strategic thinking and sharper decision-making skills, drive collective growth, and help create a new generation of leaders who, with pride and humility, can answer the question: how can we do this even better?
A key part of the program is a group project. Each cohort identifies a need in the industry or community and they develop a plan or a program to help provide solutions. Each participant takes responsibility and shares ownership of the project.
Quotes
“The NVV leadership program really inspired me to step up not only in the company I work for, but to take a broader step and think about also leading for the common good of Napa. Listening to heroes like Beth Novak, Emma Swain, Bill Harlan, David Pearson and so many other inspiring people, was a pivotal moment to transform my aspirations into action by getting more involved and running for the Board of Directors.”
– Elizabeth Vianna, Winemaker/General Manager, Chimney Rock Winery
“I was inspired and challenged by an incredible group of talented and smart individuals, all working towards a common goal – the health and sustainability of Napa Valley’s future. Taking on a leadership role on the Board of Directors is an amazing opportunity to help shape a community where everyone has a seat at the table and everyone is welcome”
– Jaime Araujo, Owner, Troix Noix
2025-2026 Cohort
2025-2026 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
- Stephanie Barnett Rehrmann, Barnett Vineyards
- Daniela Bazán, Bazán Cellars
- Sandra DeMaria, Ehlers Estate
- Haley Duncan, Silver Oak
- Ashley Egelhoff, Honig Vineyard & Winery
- Jack Emerson, John Anthony Vineyards
- David Junod, Cardinale
- Jason Moulton, Whitehall Lane
- Kurtis Ogasawara, Robert Mondavi Winery
- Laura Orozco, Chimney Rock Winery
- Cante Swearingen, Monticello Vineyards
- Morgan VrMeer, Opus One
2024-2025 Cohort
2024-2025 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
Group Project:
The 2024-2025 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort chose a theme of “Connecting With The Community”. They identified that they wanted to focus on the Napa residents who were not directly involved in the wine industry by hosting stands at the Napa Farmers Market for three Saturdays. Each day was focused on a different non-profit organization that is supported by NVV. They teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club to help local families find resources for summer camps, Napa Green to help residents learn more about what the certification means and the Vine Trail to see how they can benefit from this amazing resource in the community. Each weekend also spoke to the NVV’s commitment to these amazing organizations.
- Chelsea Barrett, Materra, Cunat Family Vineyards
- Nova Cadamatre, Fiadh Ruadh
- Greg Fitzgerald, The Debate
- Alex Gerberick, Duckhorn Vineyards
- Brad Groper, Long Meadow Ranch Winery
- Shawna Miller, Earthshine Wines
- Austin Peterson, Ovid. Napa Valley
- Alejandro Tovar, Merryvale Vineyards
- Mary Ann Turrentine, Paradigm Winery
- Sarah Vandendriessche, Elizabeth Spencer
2023-2024 Cohort
2023-2024 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
Group Project:
VolunteerNapa is a community-focused initiative aimed at harnessing the collective power of vintner members to give back to the local community. The leadership group identified the need for more volunteerism in Napa Valley and recognized the opportunity for winery businesses to contribute positively to the community. By increasing awareness of community programs and local nonprofits that need volunteers, as well as encouraging volunteer efforts, VolunteerNapa aims to strengthen the bonds between vintner members and the local community. Wineries are encouraged to take part in the VolunteerNapa pledge to give back a minimum of 24 hours of active service. Their time will help push forward the many inspiring initiatives taking place in Napa Valley.
- Kale Anderson, Kale Wines
- Michael Baldacci, Baldacci Family Vineyards
- Derek Baljeu, Knights Bridge Winery
- Sally Johnson Blum, Tamber Bey Vineyards
- Kelly MacLeod, Hudson
- Shannon Muracchioli, Sequoia Grove Winery
- Ryan Pass, Farella Vineyard
- Mailynh Phan, RD Winery
- Suhayl Ramirez, Trois Noix
- Matthew Sharp, Shafer Vineyards
- Molly Sheppard, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery
- Wesley Steffens, Vineyard 7 & 8
2022-2023 Cohort
2022-2023 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
Group Project:
Dream.Work.Napa is a platform created to help inspire the journey of future wine professionals. The resource guide aims to connect people with a range of resources available to those who want to live and work in Napa Valley. The webpage includes information on internships, housing opportunities, education and mentorship programs, scholarships, employment opportunities and healthcare. The goal of the project is to help attract, retain and inspire the next generation. It also benefits the community as a whole by creating a centralized place to list resources available to those who want to live or work in Napa Valley. Check out Dream.Work.Napa.
- Malek Amrani, The Vice
- Evyn Cameron, Inner Circle Wine
- Dalia Ceja, Ceja Vineyards
- Melissa Devore, Amici Cellars
- Alicia Hoepfner Scott, Inglenook
- Csilla Kato, Davies Vineyards
- Jason Lede, Cliff Lede Vineyards
- Michael Patland, Patland Estate Vineyards
- Jessica Rose, Seavey Vineyard
- Marisa Taylor
- Annie Waterson, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery
- Bryan Zupon, Roy Estate
2021-2022 Cohort
2021-2022 Napa Valley Leadership Cohort
Group Project:
The leadership participants identified the need for a focus on education and knowledge sharing on sustainability and efforts to mitigate climate change. Participants in the cohort supported the Napa THRIVES (now RISE) conference in the first year it launched. Napa RISE is a cross-organizational series of events, paired with sustained support and mentorship, that will not only inspire and educate, but facilitate and accelerate regional critical mass action. This is a changemaking convening to enable the Napa County wine industry to leverage its powerful leadership platform and set a standard for sustainability and climate action that galvanizes the global wine industry. Learn more at risegreen.org
- Jaime Araujo, Trois Noix
- Kelly Carter, Alpha Omega
- Ingrid Cheng, Beaulieu Vineyard
- Matt Crafton, Chateau Montelena
- Maya Dalla Valle, Dalla Valle Vineyards
- Dan de Polo, Darioush
- Ana Diogo-Draper, Artesa Vineyards & Winery
- Patrick Egan, Raymond Vineyards
- Priyanka French, Signorello Estate
- Linzi Gay, Clif Family Winery
- Amanda Harlan, BOND
- Stefanie Longton, Bennett Lane
- Will Phelps, Joseph Phelps Vineyards
- Alisha Sommer
- Elizabeth Vianna, Chimney Rock Winery
- Niki Williams