Industry Insider

Get to Know Laura Kessens, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

I moved to Temecula in 2000, I wasn’t really into wine at the time. A friend took me wine tasting. We went to Hart Winery. It was so cool to see the tanks and all the barrels. Joe was there, just listening to him talk about wine and Temecula, I thought what a job to have. I started working at Hart Winery in 2011. In 2013 I started at Robert Renzoni Vineyards. I’m still there. Loving every minute.

1. What originally inspired you to pursue a career in wine country?
In 2011 I had to reinvent myself. I loved going wine tasting and learning about Temecula wine country. Mt. San Jacinto College had classes for wine, so I signed up. I took a viticulture class, accounting class for wine. The following year I did an intern program at Maurice Car’rie Winery.

I learned so much.

1. What do you love most about working in wine country?
The seasons. Watching the vines change, budbreak to harvest. I enjoy telling the guests about what we can grow in Temecula. Sharing stories on how it all started in the valley.

4. What’s your go-to sip after a long day?
It depends on the time of year. Spring/Summer: A dry white, dry rosé or dry bubbly.
Fall/Winter: A big red. Wine is like your kids or your pets. You love them all, just different times for different reasons.

3. A dream role or experience you’d love to take in the industry?
I would love to see more wine education and history about Temecula Wine Country. People come from all over the world to visit here. Let’s all tell them about it! People come from all over the world to visit here. Let’s all tell them about it

Get to Know Michelle Vasquez, Altisima Winery

Hi, I’m Michelle! I’m a 30-year-old Southern California native who fell into the wine industry six years ago after my best friend, Rachel, encouraged me to apply to South Coast Winery in June 2020—aka the peak of Wine Country outings in Temecula Valley, iykyk! Since then, I’ve developed a genuine love for wine, hospitality, and the Temecula Valley wine region! During the week, you’ll find me managing social media for your favorite local sign shop, Signs By Tomorrow, and on the weekends, I’m serving up some of Temecula’s finest vino at Altisima Winery. In my free time, I’m cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers, traveling with my partner, discovering new restaurants, or enjoying a good wine and food tasting. I’m happiest when I’m discovering something new, sharing a great bottle of wine, and making memories with the people I love!

If you could recommend one must-try experience at your winery, what would it be?
There are so many to choose from! If I had to choose one, it would be our Wine & Cheese Pairing. Our team carefully selected five cheeses from Spain and paired them with five Altisima wines, taking you through flavors from black truffle to spicy Spanish peppers, beautifully complemented by crisp whites, rosé blends, and elegant reds. It’s such a fun and delicious way to experience our wines!

What do you love most about working in wine country?
I love the incredible community we have here in Temecula Valley! From study buddies who became colleagues… to industry friends who have become like family! We truly have each other’s backs and celebrate one another’s successes. That sense of community and support is what makes Temecula Valley such a special place to work and one of the best wine destinations to be part of!

How has your role evolved since you started in the industry?
I’ve been fortunate to experience many different roles in the tasting room throughout my journey in the wine industry. I started at South Coast Winery as a Barback/Host, where I began building my wine knowledge and experience. After completing WSET Level 2, I joined Akash Winery, where I progressed from Wine Server to Tasting Room Lead. Looking to develop my leadership and management skills, I moved to Avensole Winery, where I became an Assistant Tasting Room Manager and Tours Manager. Today, I’m enjoying being back on the front lines as a Wine Educator/Server at Altisima Winery, where I get to connect with guests and share the beauty in this wine region. 

Describe your ideal wine and food pairing.
Steak frites — especially made with garlic Parmesan fries — paired with either a rich, jammy Cabernet Franc for a bold, indulgent combination, OR a crisp, sparkling Rosé to balance the savory richness of the dish.

What’s your go-to sip after a long day?
A bold smooth red… currently my favorite red is the 2022 Lucido from Altisima Winery — a classic Bordeaux-style blend with rich tannins and a jammy finish. It’s the perfect relaxing treat after a long day!

Get to Know Marti Saint-Oyant, Oak Mountain Winery

Meet Marti!

I grew up in the Chicago area. I graduated magna cum laude from a private college and started working as a congressional staffer for a Senator in Washington DC. After marrying a French diplomat, I traveled around the world and raised a family of three children. We moved to Temecula in 2013. I have been working over 10 years in the Temecula Wine Country and I have WSET Level 2 and WSET Level 3 certifications. I am currently the Tasting Room Lead and Wine Educator at the Cave at Oak Mountain Winery.

What originally inspired you to pursue a career in wine country?

After traveling the world with my family, I resumed my career later in life with totally different goals. I had by then acquired a deep knowledge and passion for wine after visiting hundreds of wineries around the world, and met multiple winemakers and winery owners. When we moved to Temecula, working in the wine country was a logical choice for me.

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

The celebrities of the wine world I had the chance to meet or befriend, like Robert Mondavi, Jesse Jackson, and many of the French top winery owners, certainly provided an inspiration for my career. My husband, who is also WSET Level 3 certified, is incredibly passionate about wines and he has been a daily inspiration to me. 

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

I would absolutely recommend tasting the diverse and quality selection of wines we have to offer at the Cave at Oak Mountain Winery –  the only cave in Southern California! Our wines: sparklings, whites, rosés, and reds, have something to suit everyone’s palette, and our pastoral Temecula Wine Country setting and views are gorgeous. 

What wine trend are you most excited about right now?

Over-extracted fruit bomb wines with heavy winemaker intervention are getting out of fashion, and are replaced by more elegant, balanced, complex wines that are a true reflection of their “terroir”.

Where would you love to see Temecula Wine Country in the next five years?
I am very optimistic about the future of the Temecula Wine Country despite the headwinds the industry is currently facing, in particular the drop of the US wine consumption. Our wine country is young (almost 60 years old), diversified, adaptable, and well prepared to face challenges. In an environment of increased competition, wine quality is extremely important. I am encouraged by the progress that I have witnessed. 

Any dream role or experience you’d love to take on in the industry?
I deeply believe in the importance of wine education for winery employees in contact with customers. Expanding wine knowledge and education for employees is a must. There are plenty of opportunities to get a WSET level 1, 2 and 3 certifications in Temecula. I always encourage my colleagues to take these certifications. They really make a difference. I still remember when I moved to Temecula and saw wineries advertising jobs with “no wine knowledge necessary”. That has completely changed, and it is a positive sign that the Temecula wine country is moving in the right direction.

What’s your go-to sip after a long day?

With the warm weather, I definitely opt for a cold French Champagne like Laurent-Perrier Brut La Cuvée or a California sparkling wine like Oak Mountain’s León Gran Cuvée. They both have enticing white floral notes on the bouquet, hints of refreshing citrus on the palate ending in a delicate white fruit finish. Having a glass always feels like a special occasion!

Give a Warm Welcome to our Newest Members

We’re proud to welcome the newest members of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association!
These outstanding businesses bring fresh perspectives, valuable services, and a shared dedication to supporting Temecula Valley Wine Country. Let’s give a warm round of applause to our newest Growers and Affiliate members!

Grower Members

Lawrence Family Vineyards

Contact: David and Paula Lawrence
36495 Avenida Verde, Temecula, CA 92592 US
Varietal: Sangiovese, Petite Sirah
dlawrence999@outlook.com; palaw82@gmail.com
(951) 675-0196

Affiliate Members

Temecula Tasting Shuttle
Offers hop-on, hop-off transportation through Temecula Wine Country with 15+ stops, allowing guests to explore at their own pace—an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional wine tours.

Contact: Allison Walker
info@temeculatastingshuttle.com
(951) 223.1463

Adriana Rosberg Lifestyle LLC
We optimize winery guest experience and direct-to-consumer strategy to increase wine club conversions, retention, and overall sales through intentional, high-touch customer engagement.

Contact: Adriana Rosberg
hello@adrianarosberg.com
(619) 753-5611

Faithful Security Services Inc.
A professional security company providing armed and unarmed guards, mobile patrol, and special event security—delivering proactive protection, rapid response, and reliable peace of mind for businesses, properties, and events.

Contact: Kedrick Sadler
kedrick@faithfulsecurityusa.com
(951) 760-9100

HMI Commercial
Full service facility services company trusted by leading developers and property management companies, with a reputation for high-quality work tailored to client specific demands.

Contact: Shawn Scala
shawn@usehmi.com
(949) 294-7343

Spectrum Business
Delivers secure, reliable connectivity solutions for businesses of all sizes, with customized internet, voice, video, mobile, and managed service options designed to meet each customer’s needs.

Contact: Rashawn Thomas
rashawn.thomas@spectrum.com
(951) 343-5153

TricorBraun WinePak
Built a reputation as a leader in the wine packaging industry. We offer unparalleled global access, stability of supply, and access to forecasting for you and your customers. 

Contact: Dawn Cuddy & Ryleigh Bone
ryleigh.bone@tricorbraun.com
(916) 580-4846

WestPac Wealth Partners
Financial Advisor with a specialty in 401k Plans and Wealth Management! I assist company leaders and do comprehensive education for employees.

Contact: Angela Mansfield
amansfield@westpacwealth.com
(602) 549-7619

Wineshipping
Premier logistics provider for the wine industry, specializing in fulfillment and storage across all routes to customer. We combine technology, expertise, and care to protect brands and deliver exceptional experiences nationwide.

Contact: Emily Kalkhofer
marketing@wineshipping.com
(707) 933-9063

Risk Strategies is Now Brown & Brown
Risk Strategies is now Brown & Brown. Following the announcement in August 2025, the transition to the Brown & Brown name became official on May 1, 2026, bringing two established firms together under one unified brand. While our name has changed, our commitment to the winery industry remains the same. You’ll continue working with the same team you know and trust, now backed by expanded resources and broader capabilities.

Contact: Nicholas Svetcoff
nicholas.svetcoff@bbrown.com
(415) 640-8170

Get to Know Hayden Thill, Danza del Sol Winery

Meet Hayden!

Hayden currently works for Danza del Sol Winery and was recently nominated by his upper management for his outstanding knowledge, passion, and dedication to Temecula Valley Wine Country. His commitment to the valley and the people who visit it truly stands out.

I asked Hayden a series of questions so we could get to know him a little better. Let’s dive in and learn more about his journey, his insights, and what he loves most about working in wine country.

1) What is a must‑try experience at Danza del Sol?
One experience you absolutely have to try at Danza del Sol is our Grapes and Gears Vineyard Tour. It’s an immersive look at the entire winemaking process from grape to glass while you explore our beautiful vineyard up close.

2) How has your role evolved since starting in the industry?
Over the past 10 years, my role has changed quite a bit. I’ve worked as a barback, a tour guide, and even a wine production assistant. Each position has given me a deeper appreciation for the craft and the people behind it.

3) Where do you hope to see Temecula Wine Country in the next five years?
In the next five years, I hope to see Temecula Wine Country continue to grow and flourish. I’m excited for new experiences and adventures that will shape and elevate our beautiful valley.

4) What current trend in the wine industry excites you most?
I’m really excited about the rise of non‑alcoholic wines. They’re transforming how we think about the winery experience and opening the valley to an entirely new group of guests. It’s great to see inclusivity becoming part of the industry’s evolution.

5) What do you love most about working in wine country?
The best part of working in wine country is the incredible people I get to meet every day. Sharing what I love – great wine, delicious food, and memorable winery experiences with others is truly rewarding.

Get to Know Jacob Katafiasz, Doffo Winery

Jacob was nominated by his management team at Doffo Winery, and I’m incredibly excited to introduce you all to him. Spotlights like this are a chance to learn about the people who make wine country such a special place and I hope you enjoy getting to know Jacob, connect with his story, or simply appreciate a fellow wine country professional who brings passion to what he does.

Jacob’s Story

I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland, I moved here in 2015. I didn’t truly appreciate wine until the Doffo family spoiled me; now I’m unapologetically a bit of a snob. My passion lies in creating memorable experiences serving, entertaining, and connecting with people from all walks of life while staying busy and chasing spontaneous adventures.

If you could recommend one must‑try experience at your winery, what would it be?
Our Barrel Club. You get to craft a case of wine from start to finish, learn the winemaking process firsthand, and make some great new friends along the way.

What do you love most about working in wine country?
The people. The connections you build here are incredible — and there’s always a guaranteed glass waiting at the end of the day.

What’s your favorite wine and food pairing?
Cabernet Franc with beef tartare. It’s a perfect match.

What’s your go‑to sip after a long day?
Usually a cold hazy beer or a dirty martini. But if I’m choosing wine, it’s definitely a Cabernet Franc.

Where do you see yourself going in the wine industry?
If I continue down this path, I’d love to learn how to make wine. I have a strong palate and I’m really intrigued by the entire process.

Get to Know Tomas Mojica, Masia de la Vinya Winery

My name is Tomas Mojica and I am barback/server at Masia de la Vinya. I’m currently in my third year of college at Cal State San Marcos and pursuing a degree in Kinesiology with a strong ambition to become a physical therapist for the military. I have been balancing academics with real-world experience as I’ve been contributing to Masia de la Vinya since July 2023. I’m known for being kind, funny, and hardworking, My dedication is to achieving my goals and making a positive impact.

1.What originally inspired me to pursue a career in wine country?

My sister sparked my passion for wine country, especially since she also worked in the industry. Growing up, her knack for finding hidden gems and enthusiasm for exploring new places was infectious. Seeing her thrive in her own wine country job solidified my interest. Her dedication and knowledge showed me that a career in wine country could be both fulfilling and intellectually stimulating, leading me to pursue this path. She also instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work and building relationships, values that are now integral to my own work ethic. Knowing she’s navigated a similar path gives me a great resource and a constant source of inspiration.

2. A moment that made me truly feel proud of my work:

A moment I felt truly proud of my work was when I was promoted to lead barback. It wasn’t just about the title; it was the recognition of my dedication and hard work. I started as a regular barback, learning the ropes and always striving to be efficient and helpful. The promotion meant that my efforts hadn’t gone unnoticed and that my managers trusted me to take on more responsibility, like training new staff and managing inventory. It was a huge confidence boost and motivated me to continue excelling in my role.

3. My go to sip after a long day: 

After a long day, Tempranillo is my go-to wine for its comforting yet complex character. Its medium body and moderate tannins offer a smooth, easy-drinking experience that isn’t too heavy. The earthy notes, combined with hints of cherry and plum, create a sense of warmth and relaxation, perfect for unwinding. Plus, its versatility means it pairs well with a variety of simple meals or snacks, making it an effortless choice for a stress-free evening. It is also my girlfriend’s favorite! Shout out to KC Kilroy!

4. How has my role evolved since I started in the industry:

In addition to my promotion to lead barback, I’ve also taken on roles as a server and special event greeter. Serving allows me to connect directly with customers, enhancing my communication skills as I guide them through our offerings. As a special event greeter, I focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring guests feel valued and excited from the moment they arrive. These combined roles have broadened my skill set and made my workdays more dynamic.

5.What do I love most about working in wine country?:

What I love most about working in wine country is the opportunity to meet new people and create lasting relationships. Every day brings new faces, each with unique stories and backgrounds, enriching my own perspective. Building connections with both visitors and colleagues fosters a sense of community and collaboration that makes the work environment truly special. These interactions not only enhance the customer experience but also create a supportive network that extends beyond the workplace, making every day feel rewarding and fulfilling.

Complimentary Viticulture Education Series: Strengthening Our Vineyards, Together

As we head into a new growing season, ongoing education remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in vineyard health, wine quality, and regional excellence. To support our growers, winemakers, and vineyard crews, we’re offering a complimentary Viticulture Education Series (except for Grape Day) packed with practical, hands‑on learning opportunities.

These sessions are designed to keep your team informed, compliant, and prepared whether you’re managing a vineyard, crafting wine, or working in the field every day.

Below is the full lineup of upcoming sessions. Please use the link HERE to register for the upcoming opportunities.

📅 Upcoming Education Dates

February 11 — Pesticide Compliance Training

A foundational training covering regulations, safety, and best practices for anyone applying or supervising pesticide use.

February 18 — Pesticide Compliance Review & Test (9:00 AM)

A morning review session followed by the official compliance exam. Ideal for those needing certification or renewal.

March 11 — Pesticide Compliance Post‑Test

A follow‑up from the pesticide compliance test and training.

March 18 — Spring Fertilization

A timely workshop focused on nutrient management, soil health, and preparing vines for the season ahead.

April 30 — Grape Day (Industry‑Wide Event at South Coast Winery)

A full day of viticulture and enology topics, research updates, and vendor exhibits.
Please note: Tickets are not yet on sale. More details will be shared soon.

May 13 — Canopy Management & Crop Load + BBQ (2:00 PM at Wilson Creek)

A hands‑on field session exploring canopy balance, crop load decisions, and in‑season adjustments. The day wraps up with a casual BBQ — a great chance to connect with fellow growers and winemakers.

🌱 Why These Sessions Matter

This series is more than education — it’s an investment in the long‑term success of our vineyards and our region. Attending helps your team:

• Stay compliant with state and federal regulations
• Improve vineyard efficiency and fruit quality
• Strengthen safety practices
• Learn from experts and peers
• Build a more connected and informed winegrowing community

When growers, winemakers, and vineyard crews learn together, everyone benefits.

🍷 Join Us and Invest in Your Vineyard’s Future

All sessions are complimentary (except for Grape Day), and we encourage every winery and vineyard team to participate. Your involvement helps elevate the standards of our region and ensures we continue producing exceptional wines year after year.

Why Your Winery Should Be Posting Jobs on WineJobs.com

A Simple Way to Reach Top Talent — and Automatically Boost Your Visibility on Our Website

The wine industry thrives on great people. From vineyard stewards to tasting room hosts to seasoned winemakers, every role shapes the experience your winery delivers. But finding the right talent can be challenging — especially when job seekers are scattered across multiple platforms.

That’s exactly why we’ve partnered with WineJobs.com, the leading job board dedicated exclusively to the wine industry. This partnership makes it easier than ever for wineries to post openings, reach qualified candidates, and gain additional exposure through our website.

If you’re not already using WineJobs.com to list your open positions, now is the perfect time to start.

🍷 What Is WineJobs.com?

WineJobs.com is one of the most trusted and widely used employment platforms in the wine world. Thousands of job seekers visit the site every month looking specifically for opportunities in:

• Winemaking
• Viticulture
• Sales & distribution
• Hospitality & tasting rooms
• Marketing & operations
• And more across the entire wine value chain

Because the platform is industry‑focused, your listings reach people who already understand the unique demands and culture of winery work.

🔗 How Our Partnership Benefits You

Our partnership with WineJobs.com means your job postings don’t just live on their site — they automatically sync to ours as well.

That means:

• You only post once.
  No need to upload your job to multiple places.
• Your listing appears on WineJobs.com AND our website.
  Doubling your visibility without doubling your workload.
• Job seekers browsing our site see your openings instantly.
  You reach both active job hunters and people already engaged with our winery community.
• Your hiring process becomes more efficient.
  More qualified applicants, less time spent searching.

This integration is designed to make hiring easier for you while strengthening the talent pipeline across our entire region.

🌟 Why Wineries Love Using WineJobs.com

Wineries that consistently post on WineJobs.com report:

• Higher‑quality applicants
• Faster hiring timelines
• Better visibility among industry professionals
• A more streamlined recruitment process

Because the platform is so well‑known in the wine community, job seekers trust it — and they check it regularly.

📤 How to Get Started

Posting your job is simple:

1. Visit WineJobs.com
2. Create an employer account (if you don’t already have one)
3. Upload your job description
4. Once published, your listing will automatically sync to our website

If you ever update or close a job on WineJobs.com, those changes sync too — keeping everything clean and up to date.

🍇 Let’s Strengthen Our Wine Community Together

Our goal is to support wineries with tools that make operations smoother, hiring easier, and the entire region stronger. By using WineJobs.com, you’re not only helping your own business — you’re contributing to a more connected, professional, and thriving wine industry.

If you have questions about how the integration works or need help getting started, we’re always here to support you

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…