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    Our Team

    The Labor of Love

    Our Team
    Holman Ranch wine is more than a label on a shelf: it’s a family love story, an intergenerational  endeavor carried on by the Lowders, as well as by Chris and Greg Vita, father-and-son winemakers.

    For Tom and Susan Lowder, it’s also a living memorial to their late spouses, both of whom passed away tragically from neurodegenerative diseases.

    

    Their memories are honored through the expression of the wine but also by the countless others who have benefited from Holman Ranch - the couples who pronounce their vows on the Ceremony Lawn, the staff who are employed to bring the wine and events to life, and the philanthropies whose life-saving work has been made possible with support from Holman Ranch.

    “When I think about the greatest moments in my life, it’s over a glass of wine.”

    — Tom Lowder, Owner

    The Proprietors

    Tom & Susan Lowder

    In 2012, Tom Lowder married Susan Carrington, joining a family of three daughters with a family of three sons following their families’ losses. Susan’s late husband, Dick Carrington, had ALS, while Tom’s wife, Jarman, had early onset Alzheimer’s. Advancing cures for these diseases is a shared passion in their family. When not in California, they spend time in Tom’s home of Birmingham, Alabama.

    The Winemakers

    Greg Vita

    Greg Vita has been a vineyard and winemaking consultant in the Napa Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey County for the last 24 years. Prior to opening his consulting business, he was with Spring Mountain Vineyards in St. Helena for 12 years in the capacity of Winemaker and General Manager. Greg is a UC Davis graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Plant Science. He’s married and has two sons, including Chris, and enjoys the outdoor pursuits of hiking, fly fishing, and skiing.

    Chris Vita

    Chris Vita has been working throughout the Monterey County Wine Appellation since a very early age. The son of winemakers, Greg and Diana Vita, Chris got his start working in various cellars with his parents. Chris chose to make this passion his career after graduating from the esteemed winemaking program at UC Davis with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. Winemaking has allowed Chris to travel and learn, taking him as far as New Zealand to acquire and exchange skills. Chris is a winemaker and consultant primarily in Monterey County where he is constantly working to perfect his craft and broaden his knowledge. His winemaking philosophy rests upon a balance of science and tradition, using modern technologies to support traditional winemaking techniques. When not in the cellar, Chris enjoys recreating in the outdoors with frequent trips to climb and ski in the mountains.

    The Wine & Events Team

    Kirstie Woods

    Chief Executive Officer

    Kirstie graduated from Sonoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Wine Business and Marketing. She began her career at Hamel Family Wines in Sonoma as their Operations Manager until she moved to New York.  Working for the largest NY distributor, Empire Merchants, she ran a sales team in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In 2020, Kirstie moved back to the West Coast, exploring a new region that had yet received the recognition it deserved. Kirstie oversees all aspects of Holman Ranch from events to winemaking, lodging, and ranch management. Adding to her wine experience and knowledge, Kirstie has earned her Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level Three certification.

    Victoria Davi

    Director of Sales

    Born and raised in Monterey, Victoria joined Holman Ranch in Summer 2017 after graduating from Saint Mary’s College in the East Bay. She began her career in the wine department before moving to events. As Corporate and Event Sales Manager, she continues to assist our clients in creating remarkable events.

    Rubi Ramirez

    Ranch Manager

    Rubi, a tenured employee of Holman Ranch, has worn many hats since 2016. She began her career at Holman Ranch working for the events team and assisting in set up and break down. Rubi now manages the entire operation of  daily life at the ranch. Overseeing our guest rooms, events, horses, landscaping and olive trees. A Salinas Valley native, Rubi is a vital member of the team.

    Elizabeth Rosatelli

    Tasting Room Manager

    Elizabeth has sold the beauty of Monterey County wines for over 11 years. Her most recent position was the Assistant Tasting Room Manager at Boekenoogen Winery, our next door neighbor. Elizabeth enjoys building personal relationships with our Wine Club Members and bringing Holman Ranch wine wherever she goes. She is an active member of the community and enjoys participating in all that the central coastline has to offer.

    Meghan Finney

    Wine Club & Marketing Manager

    Meghan graduated from Auburn University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business Administration, beginning as an Events Intern at Holman Ranch. She has since transitioned into Wine Club Account Manager, and Director of Marketing & Guest Relations. Meghan works closely with Wine Club Members, directing seasonal allocations and accommodating membership benefits. She plays a key role amongst all Holman Ranch departments in streamlining the company’s workflow, bringing an acute eye to detail.

    Zoee Johnston

    Estate Hospitality Manager

    Zoee grew up in the heart of Carmel Valley Village and has recently returned home to her roots. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, she decided to focus on her growing interest in wine. Zoee prioritizes the overall experience of patrons, while also ensuring guests leave with a solid understanding of the wines they have enjoyed.

    Kerolos Istafanous

    Event Production Manager

    Kerolos was born and raised in Egypt, before he officially made the Monterey Peninsula his home. He graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay and earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and International Business. Kerolos has over seven years of experience working in the hospitality industry within the area, and will assure everything runs smoothly during your event.

    Peter Charles

    Guest Relations

    Peter spent his first 20 years working as a chef for Big Sur’s Ventena Inn and Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn. He later moved into Monterey, managing the restaurants of the Portola Plaza Hotel and Rappa’s on the Wharf, and spent part of his career working special events with Pebble Beach. Peter joined the Holman Ranch team in 2009 as Events Manager and has also served in integral roles within the Tasting Room. He continues to serve now as our Guest Relations liaison.

    Erick Acedo

    Events Operations Supervisor

    Erick began his career at Holman Ranch in 2022 as part of the event team, before rising to the role of Events Operations Supervisor. Since graduating from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2020, Erick has acquired a wide range of customer service skills, from retail experience to serving as a Valet/Bellman at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Erick brings a strong work ethic and positive attitude towards each event, connecting with guests and communicating efficiently. With his easy-going personality, his eagerness to help others, and his attention to detail, Erick plays a lead role in ensuring a memorable experience for each guest at Holman Ranch.

    Tara Mele

    Accounting and Finance

    Tara has been with Holman Ranch since 2015. With a strong hospitality background from her education at Arizona State University and over 11 years of experience as a banquet manager at a high-end venue in downtown Monterey, Tara brings a strong sense of understanding and leadership in all aspects of the industry. Tara has lived in Carmel Valley for the past 14 years, raising her two children, and brings a passion and understanding of the community.

    Stories from the Field

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