Travis Bullard

Cliff Lede Vineyards

While attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Travis was introduced to the world of enology and was immediately hooked. In 2007, he took an internship at Korbel as a lab assistant, igniting his passion for both the science and art of winemaking. The following year, he earned his Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Business with a focus in wine and viticulture. Travis continued to expand his experience with positions at Sonoma-Cutrer working with high-end Pinot Noirs and at Summerwood in Paso Robles working with Rhône varieties under noted winemaker Jeff Cohn. In 2010, Travis moved to the Napa Valley where he accepted an internship at Cliff Lede Vineyards. From first taste, he fell in love with their portfolio of wines. By 2012, he was promoted to enologist, and by 2013, assistant winemaker — the same vintage that Cliff Lede Vineyards received their first 100-point score. Travis became winemaker in 2021, working alongside director of winemaking, Christopher Tynan. Travis continues to enjoy the constant pursuit for quality that comes from creating compelling Stags Leap Cabernet.

Alison Rodriguez

Silverado Vineyards

From the steep slopes of the Rheingau and Nahe valleys, to the alpine foothills of the Alto Adige and across Napa Valley, Alison Rodriguez honed her wine making skills in diverse growing regions around the world.

At Silverado Vineyards, Rodriguez oversees all winemaking activities for the luxury winery and its four estate vineyards in Napa Valley's top AVAs including the Silverado Vineyard in Stags Leap District, Mt. George Vineyard in Coombsville, Miller Ranch Vineyard in Yountville and Borreo Ranch in Napa. Rodriguez is proud to carry on the legacy of the Disney-Miller Family as only the third winemaker in Silverado's history. Silverado Vineyards became part of the Foley Family Wines portfolio in July 2022.

Before joining Silverado Vineyards, she spent six vintages as winemaker at The Hess Collection, perfecting her skills in almost 900 acres of estate Napa vineyards with winemaker Dave Guffy and consultant Celia Welch.

"If a picture is worth a thousand words, then being in the vineyards is worth a million. Walking the rows, smelling the air, feeling the warmth of the sun, seeing the contours of the vineyard, all help you envision the glass of wine which can be brought forth by the land and the diligent efforts of your team."

Elizabeth Vianna

Chimney Rock Winery

Elizabeth attributes her career in winemaking to a glass of 1985 Sociando Mallet, which she enjoyed at a pre-auction tasting at Christie’s in New York. A biology major at Vassar College, Elizabeth was originally on the pre-medical school track. She fell in love with wine while working as a clinical toxicologist at New York Hospital - Weill Cornell Medical Center. Her strong science background and sudden infatuation with wine propelled her to apply to the U.C. Davis, and its renowned winemaking program instead of medical school. Elizabeth first came to Chimney Rock as a harvest intern in 1999, while completing her Master’s in Enology at Davis. Upon graduation, she first became an Enologist and later an Assistant Winemaker at Napa Wine Company, where she worked directly with many of the region’s top winemakers including Heidi Barrett, Erin Green, Pam Starr and Celia Welch. Elizabeth was named Assistant Winemaker at Chimney Rock in January 2002 and advanced to the position of Winemaker in 2005. She was promoted to General Manager of Chimney Rock Winery in 2011 while continuing in her role as Head Winemaker. She has also served as President of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association.