Industry Insider

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…  

Get to Know Melissa Hoxsey, Briar Rose Winery

My name is Melissa Hoxsey. I am a wife and a mother of three. Prior to working for Briar Rose Winery I was a Registered Nurse for 13 years. Of those 13 years I spent the last 3 years as a  Quality and Patient Safety Specialist. In 2022, I decided to leave the medical field altogether to be my children’s full time teacher. 6 months into staying home a friend asked if I’d like to work Saturdays as a server at Briar Rose Winery and I couldn’t say no.  I have now worked at Briar Rise Winery for over 3 years and I absolutely love it! It is truly a fairytale dream job! 

On my time off I spend time watching by boys in BJJ, my daughter perform as aerialist and my husband sing in punk rock band. As a family we love to hike with our 2 dogs, geocache, play escape rooms and board games . We are adventurous and love traveling and trying new food and beverages. 

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

At Briar Rose we have so many amazing events that we have every year including our Halloween party and our Bridgerton tea parties. But I think enjoying a simple wine tasting is the best experience. We do it a little different. At Briar Rose Winery the server comes to you! This makes the tasting more personal and you really get to know our wines and learn about our amazing history! 

What do you love most about working in wine country?

I love that I get to meet so many people from all over the world! It’s amazing how Temecula has become a force for tourism and wine and that people come to Temecula from across the world just to experience our wine country!

Describe your ideal wine and food pairing.

My ideal wine pairing is a glass of Briar Rose’s 2017 Zinfandel and a piece of dark chocolate! The wine elevates the chocolate and the chocolate elevates the wine, which in my opinion is the perfect match! 

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

My favorite sip changes everyday!!  It all depends on my mood!😁 On a hot day I love to sip on a cold Viognier and on a cold day a nice Cabernet Sauvignon! 

Any dream role or experience you’d love to take on in the industry? 

I honestly can’t think of a better role than the one I have now! I am the lead server at a family owned boutique winery where I am treated like family. I get to serve the best customers while helping our winery run smoothly. My opinions and ideas matter and I get to do what I love best and interact with people! 

Welcome 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

A&A Vineyards

Contact: Ajay Patel
41130 Corte Catalunya, Temecula, CA 92592 US
Varietal: Montepulciano 1.1 acres
AandAVineyard@gmail.com
(714) 305 0928

Fox Den Farms

Contact: Kevin Fox
41410 Calle Encantado Temecula, CA 92592
Varietal: Cab Sauvnignon
wfox@cwc.la
(303) 472-4277

The Gardens of Eden – Grove & Vineyard

Contact: Marc Van Eden
0 Lot 1 el Prado Rd., Temecula, CA 92590
Varietal: Nero d’ Avola 3 acres
thegardensofedenllc@gmail.com
(949) 874-5072

Rusty Roots Vineyards

Contact: Dave Morelli
32901 Andros St, Temecula, CA 92592 US
Varietal: Cab Franc – 3 acres
dave@biocerts.com
(818) 402-2675

Affiliate Members

Broadview Business Solutions
Provides educational sessions and hands-on support around Section 125 payroll-tax savings and R&D tax credits (we work alongside each winery’s existing CPA/accountant).

Contact: Jim & Tisha Smith
solutions@broadviewbiz.com
(951) 401-5190

HUB International Insurance Services
Is the world’s 5th largest brokerage. We are the #1 insurance agency that concentrates on the needs of California’s wine and agriculture industries.

Contact: Ed McClements
ed.mcclements@hubinternational.com
(949) 232-9178

Legacy Barrel Services
Based in Napa, partners with wineries to provide financing, inventory management, and barrel removal solutions that improve cash flow, streamline operations, and strengthen long-term client relationships.

Contact: Ken Seymour
ken@legacybarrelservices.com
(707) 804-9965

San Francisco Wine School
Since 2011, Master Sommelier David Glancy has been providing World Class Wine Education & Events for wine professionals and enthusiasts in person and online w/ custom tasting kits delivered nationally.

Contact: Kristen Campbell
help@sfwineschool.com
(650) 763-1324

Trattoria Toscana
Chef Pietro Cinus has created a one-of-a-kind dining experience thanks to his Sardinian roots and Tuscan training. His success as a restaurateur is a testament to his passion for good food and wine. A night out at Trattoria Toscana is sure to be memorable.

Contact: Wendy Ramos
management@ttitalian.com
(951) 587-8030

Workforce Consulting
Helps companies secure wage reimbursements of up to $9,600 for their next full-time hire—or, in some cases, a recent hire made within the last three months.

Contact: Riccardo Canova
rcanova@yourworkforceconsultants.com
(951) 836-0591

Celebrating Recent Features of Our Wineries & Destination

Temecula Valley continues to turn heads—with sunshine, rolling vineyards, and a growing community of passionate winemakers, it’s no wonder we’ve made headlines again. Check out a few recent press articles that spotlight our member wineries and the vibrant charm of Wine Country:

Temecula In Bloom: A Rosé Renaissance In Southern California Wine Country

6 Top Wine Regions in California to Visit in 2025

Harvest time in Temecula means wine, snacks and grape stomps

Wine Country Wonders

Foodie Forecast: Cooking class, Taste of Gaslamp, nine-course matcha dinner

We’re proud to see Temecula Valley and our wineries featured so beautifully in the media. Stay tuned for more coverage and stories that showcase the people, passion, and place that make our wine country so special.

Eureka! NYC Event Recap

Last week, Temecula Valley participated in the Wine Institute’s Eureka! event in New York City—an energetic showcase featuring 50+ California producers and over 350 attendees, including media, trade, and consumers.

Key Highlights:

Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to showcase Temecula Valley wines and build buzz in a key market.