Jill Russell, Winemaker, Cambria Wines
In love with food and wine since a stint in high school as a server at a winery in Livermore, CA, her path was always crystal-clear. A degree in Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo allowed Jill to “learn by doing” (the school’s motto) and convinced her the Central Coast was where she wanted to put down roots.
She racked up some major miles in her training: a semester spent learning about wine in Adelaide, Australia, was followed by another quarter at Tolosa Winery back on the Central Coast. Since Jill was already confident our little bit of California was heaven, she was delighted to join Stephen Dooley’s winery, Stephen Ross Wine Cellars in the Edna Valley, and quickly rose to the position of Assistant Winemaker. She spent five years there until she received a couldn’t-turn-down opportunity to work harvest in Menetou-Salon in France’s Loire Valley. And how could she go to France and not spend even more time visiting all of France’s major wine regions, tasting and learning, once harvest was complete?
Back stateside, she joined Paul Lato at his boutique Santa Barbara winery, diving into Sta. Rita Hills, our beautiful Santa Maria Valley, and stoking her enduring love of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Knowing she was right where she wanted to be, the chance to join Cambria as Winemaker was a no-brainer and, she still maintains, the opportunity of a lifetime. She loves working with the vineyards throughout our estate and getting to know them on a block-by-block basis, digging into the clones, soils, and microclimates. Her passion and unique energy are in every bottle. Jill, her husband and live-in chef Torrey, and cheerful dog Sansa, are proud residents of Los Alamos – a tiny country town just 15 minutes South of the winery.
Jill Russell, Winemaker, Cambria Wines
In love with food and wine since a stint in high school as a server at a winery in Livermore, CA, her path was always crystal-clear. A degree in Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo allowed Jill to “learn by doing” (the school’s motto) and convinced her the Central Coast was where she wanted to put down roots.
She racked up some major miles in her training: a semester spent learning about wine in Adelaide, Australia, was followed by another quarter at Tolosa Winery back on the Central Coast. Since Jill was already confident our little bit of California was heaven, she was delighted to join Stephen Dooley’s winery, Stephen Ross Wine Cellars in the Edna Valley, and quickly rose to the position of Assistant Winemaker. She spent five years there until she received a couldn’t-turn-down opportunity to work harvest in Menetou-Salon in France’s Loire Valley. And how could she go to France and not spend even more time visiting all of France’s major wine regions, tasting and learning, once harvest was complete?
Back stateside, she joined Paul Lato at his boutique Santa Barbara winery, diving into Sta. Rita Hills, our beautiful Santa Maria Valley, and stoking her enduring love of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Knowing she was right where she wanted to be, the chance to join Cambria as Winemaker was a no-brainer and, she still maintains, the opportunity of a lifetime. She loves working with the vineyards throughout our estate and getting to know them on a block-by-block basis, digging into the clones, soils, and microclimates. Her passion and unique energy are in every bottle. Jill, her husband and live-in chef Torrey, and cheerful dog Sansa, are proud residents of Los Alamos – a tiny country town just 15 minutes South of the winery.
Anna Welch Prost, Associate Winemaker - A to Z
Anna serves an integral role in winemaking with a primary focus on A to Z white and rosé wines. Following her degree in Horticulture from Cal Poly, Anna studied at Lincoln University in New Zealand and later also completed the Chemeketa Winemaking program. She worked at Chappellet and Cardinale wineries in California, Delegats Wine Estates in New Zealand, and Vasse Felix Winery in Australia before coming to A to Z for the 2009 harvest. Subsequently, she has served as Lab Technician, Lab Manager, Enologist, and Assistant Winemaker before becoming Associate Winemaker.
Anna Welch Prost, Associate Winemaker - A to Z
Anna serves an integral role in winemaking with a primary focus on A to Z white and rosé wines. Following her degree in Horticulture from Cal Poly, Anna studied at Lincoln University in New Zealand and later also completed the Chemeketa Winemaking program. She worked at Chappellet and Cardinale wineries in California, Delegats Wine Estates in New Zealand, and Vasse Felix Winery in Australia before coming to A to Z for the 2009 harvest. Subsequently, she has served as Lab Technician, Lab Manager, Enologist, and Assistant Winemaker before becoming Associate Winemaker.
Dana Stemmler, Winemaker – Juggernaut (Bogle Vineyards)
Over 16 years at Bogle, Dana has honed her skills and continues to strive for excellence in each vintage. With her priority for creating exceptional wines, Dana balances time tested techniques with the latest technology to produce memorable and delicious wines.
Dana Stemmler, Winemaker – Juggernaut (Bogle Vineyards)
Over 16 years at Bogle, Dana has honed her skills and continues to strive for excellence in each vintage. With her priority for creating exceptional wines, Dana balances time tested techniques with the latest technology to produce memorable and delicious wines.
Cara Morrison, Director of Winemaking – Sonoma-Cutrer
A San Jose native, Cara Morrison discovered her passion for winemaking while studying at the University of California, Davis, where a single introductory class changed her career path. After gaining hands-on experience at wineries around the world—including Australia, Chile, and New York—she built her expertise working with a wide range of white varietals before joining Sonoma-Cutrer in 2005.
Today, Cara leads the winemaking program with a focus on the Burgundian-inspired style that defines Sonoma-Cutrer. Known for her thoughtful approach to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, she blends tradition with innovation to craft balanced, food-friendly wines.
Cara Morrison, Director of Winemaking – Sonoma-Cutrer
A San Jose native, Cara Morrison discovered her passion for winemaking while studying at the University of California, Davis, where a single introductory class changed her career path. After gaining hands-on experience at wineries around the world—including Australia, Chile, and New York—she built her expertise working with a wide range of white varietals before joining Sonoma-Cutrer in 2005.
Today, Cara leads the winemaking program with a focus on the Burgundian-inspired style that defines Sonoma-Cutrer. Known for her thoughtful approach to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, she blends tradition with innovation to craft balanced, food-friendly wines.
Laura Bianchi, Proprietor – Castello di Monsanto
Laura Bianchi leads the winemaking at Castello di Monsanto, continuing her family’s legacy in Chianti Classico. With a deep connection to the estate’s vineyards, she focuses on crafting balanced, expressive wines that highlight the character of Sangiovese and the region’s unique terroir.
Laura Bianchi, Proprietor – Castello di Monsanto
Laura Bianchi leads the winemaking at Castello di Monsanto, continuing her family’s legacy in Chianti Classico. With a deep connection to the estate’s vineyards, she focuses on crafting balanced, expressive wines that highlight the character of Sangiovese and the region’s unique terroir.