Industry Newsletter

Get to Know Lindsey Simpson, Danza del Sol Winery

I’ve lived in Temecula for 14 years and love it here!  I’m happily married to my husband Matt and we have two amazing teenagers, Jake and Finnley.  We moved here because of the wonderful community and opportunities Temecula has to offer.  When I’m not at Danza I’m driving my teens around or on a Football field or Volleyball Court!  Currently I’m in the busiest, yet most wonderful, time of my life and I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.  My greatest joy is being a Mom.  

I have always loved wine, and in 2021 decided to give Temecula wine country a shot. I quickly learned that I can sell wine but wanted much more.  My dear friend Patricia O’Brien brought me in to Danza del Sol in 2022.  Within the first few months I knew I was in the right place.  The opportunities presented at Danza have been life changing.  Within the first year of my employment, I served in the Tasting Room, Clubhouse, worked weddings, special events, and super fun off-site events.  My friend and Director of Operations, Walter Carter has invited me to several special & private events to pour at and some to play at, including CRUSH, Galway and many more.  It’s been such a gift!  This is a dream job.  In late 2023 I got CHIP certified through TVWGA and just last year passed my WSET Level 2 course, with Merit!  The achievements have been overwhelming and very exciting.  I wouldn’t have considered these certification courses had they not been offered or presented.  I have Danza to thank!  The management team continually strives to maintain the greatest, (wine) educated and most hospitable team in the valley and I truly couldn’t be more proud to be one of them.   

If you could recommend one must-try experience at your winery what would it be?

I’d recommend the Grapes & Gears UTV Tour!  It’s a guided UTV tour through our vineyards including carefully crafted pairings with 7 different wines throughout the tour.  We have an incredibly knowledgable tour department that delivers 5-star experiences every time.

Who has been a mentor or major influence in your career?

Aside from my husband who is my ultimate life mentor and full supporter in my career, I’d have to tip my hat to Mr. Walter Carter.  He’s been a huge influence on my goals, growth patterns and ultimately my successes here at Danza.  He genuinely wants everyone here to win.  He’s an opportunist, a dreamer and a doer.  Watching him grow and promote through his own position at Danza and in Temecula Valley as a whole has been extremely inspiring! I’m proud and lucky to know him and learn through him.  

How has your role evolved since you started in the industry?

In 2021, I started as a server in the members lounge at a different winery in Temecula.  Since coming to Danza I have grown more than I’d imagined was possible in just three years.  Aside from my main role as a Tasting Room Server, I have worked countless off-site events, been a UTV tour guide for a hot minute, earned & received 2 very special certifications through TVWGA and have just recently been promoted to Tasting Room Key/ Lead Server.  I love my job! 

Describe your ideal wine and food pairing.

The setting would be in Tuscany…  Ha!  I’d start with a splash of sparkling Espumosa, bubbles to open up the palate.  Then move to savory and pair my favorite varietal, Danza’s Sangiovese with a tomato based penne pasta and aged cheeses & prosciutto. Actually any charcuterie assortment! I’d finish sweet, with Masia de la Vinya’s Magrana paired with a pearl-sugar brioche waffle bite, topped with whipped cream.  Flavor explosion overload! 

Where would you love to see Temecula Wine Country in the next 5 years?

I’d love to see Temecula Wine Country continue to thrive and grow through the development of new and innovative experiences, winery and restaurant offerings including curated wine and food pairings and elevated guest and industry experiences, all while preserving Temecula Valley’s culture.  We have so much fun out here and I can see this valley continuing to get better and better with age…  

Get to Know Michael Mohammad, Altisima Winery

My name is Michael Mohammad, and I’m 36 years old. My family moved to Temecula, CA in 1992, back when there was only one stoplight in town and just a handful of wineries. I grew up playing inline hockey and graduated from Temecula Valley High School.

I’ve been in hospitality since I was 16, starting as a dishwasher at Tony Roma’s and working my way through every corner of the industry. Before stepping into wine country, I spent nearly 12 years bartending, connecting with incredible people while crafting cocktails.

About three years ago, I joined the Altisima family, and it’s been amazing to see us honored as Winery of the Year by the Xenia Hospitality Awards. I love being part of a team that’s pushing Temecula’s culture forward — blending elevated wine experiences with authenticity and genuine connection. Whether I’m suggesting wine pairings or sharing stories with guests, my goal is always to make people feel seen, heard, and welcomed.

Outside the winery, I freelance as a graphic designer under the name @themohamz, also known as MOHAMZ Studio. My work spans branding, illustration, and physical product design — everything from logos and T-shirts to digital illustrations and murals. (Fun fact: While working at Temecula Coin-Op, I designed the packaging for their Power Punch — the adult version of Capri Suns.) I’m drawn to projects that blend culture, identity, and storytelling; always chasing that spark where design meets purpose.

At the end of the day, I’m passionate about bold red wine, meaningful conversations, and creating work that resonates with people on a deeper level.

What wine trend are you most excited about right now?

I don’t know if it’s a “trend,” but I’m really excited about the younger generation of winemakers coming up. They’re not afraid to take risks, break the rules, and bring something new to the table. You can tell they care more about expression and community than chasing points or prestige. I see a lot of creativity and purpose in what they’re doing — and that’s something I really connect with.

What do you love most about working in wine country?

What I love most about working in wine country is how it brings everything I care about together — good wine, good people, and good vibes. Every day is a mix of hospitality and creativity, whether I’m pouring a glass, having a real conversation, or just taking in the views. There’s something special about this place — it turns everyday moments into something memorable.

If your personality were a wine varietal, which would it be and why?

If I had to pick a wine that matches my personality, I’d say Cabernet Franc. It’s bold, creative, and a little unexpected — kind of like me. It blends well with others. It’s got depth and complexity, but there’s also this wild side that doesn’t always follow the rules. I’m not the loudest in the room, but I try to bring something unique that’s memorable.

What song would you pair with your favorite glass of wine?

“The World Is Yours” by Nas — that’s my go-to track with a bold glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s smooth, confident, and layered — just like a good Cab. The jazzy beat has this mellow, reflective vibe that hits different when you’re sketching, thinking, or just enjoying a quiet moment.

He might be sipping Dom P in the lyrics, but I’m posted with a Cab — same energy.

It’s a classic track that holds up over time, and that’s what I love about it. It’s got depth, it’s intentional, and it sticks with you — just like the wine.

What’s something new you’re hoping to learn this year?

This year, I’m looking forward to getting back into more hands-on design. I’ll be taking a screen-printing class and a ceramics class this fall — both are new for me and a chance to explore different ways of working with form and texture. I’m also planning to pick up a laser cutter soon, which will open up a lot of possibilities for more custom, physical design work through MOHAMZ Studio.

Get to Know Silvana De Robertis, Wiens Cellars

Originally from New Jersey, I spent 12 years living in Argentina before moving to Temecula in 2001. Since then, Wine Country has become my home in every sense. I’ve spent the last 20 years working in the industry, with the last five years dedicated to Wiens Cellars—a place that continues to inspire me every day.

If you could recommend one must-try experience at your winery, what would it be?
A must-try experience would be our Cellar Room! It’s truly one to remember—an elevated wine tasting where guests savor our Reserve and Vineyard Designated wines, each perfectly paired with curated cheeses and meats. It’s a beautiful way to experience Wiens.

How has your role evolved since you started in the industry?
I began in Events and Weddings, but my personal passion has always been wine. That love led me to further my education—I completed Level 2 WSET certification and I’m currently studying for Level 3. These past 20 years have been an incredible journey of learning and growing.

What song would you pair with your favorite glass of wine?
Definitely “Roxanne (Tango)” from Moulin Rouge paired with a bold glass of Malbec—intense, dramatic, unforgettable.

What’s your go-to sip after a long day?
A crisp, refreshing glass of Brut Sparkling Wine. It’s my favorite way to wind down and toast the day.

Any dream role or experience you’d love to take on in the industry?
My dream is to keep growing and learning, but above all, I hope to inspire the next generation to fall in love with this industry, just as I have.