David Choi
David found his passion in wine as the owner of one of the nation’s largest and oldest wine stores, Pearson’s Wine & Spirits. He dove deeper into the wine industry as an importer and wholesaler, learning all aspects of the industry. Today, David is the proprietor of both Angel Falls and Magna Carta Cellars. As one of only 60 living recipients of the Order of Agricultural Merit (l'Ordre du Mérite Agricole) in the United States, he has fostered invaluable friendships that have contributed to making his dream of producing great wines come true.
Peter Stolpman
Growing up on a vineyard, it surprised no one that Pete’s life pursuits would eventually lead him back to his namesake roots. Pete spent time making wine in Australia and Italy before returning to California to sell wine for the Henry Wine Group, where–at just 26-years-old–he became the youngest salesperson awarded Fine Wine Specialist of the Year. Pete eventually took over the day-to-day management of Stolpman Vineyards in 2009 and serves as President of the Ballard Canyon Winegrowers’ Alliance.
Sashi Moorman
Within a short time, Sashi has become one of the most celebrated winemakers in California. Sashi completed a five-year apprenticeship with the notable Adam Tolmach of The Ojai Vineyard in California. In 2001, Sashi joined Stolpman Vineyards as Head Winemaker, integrating winemaking and vineyard direction under one program. Today, Sashi continues his work at Stolpman Vineyards, as well as Domaine de la Cote, focusing on the production of estate grown and purchased grapes from Santa Barbara County.
Manuel Cuevas
Manuel, along with his brother Jose, own and operate Angel Falls’ production facility, C2 Cellars. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley in central California, their state-of-the-art operation allows our team to drive a high quality product based on high quality grapes. Manuel has worked with many notable winemakers, including Sunbelt Vineyards, Courtside Cellars, Corbett Canyon and Talley Vineyards.
Thierry Merlet
Thierry has enjoyed his education in Beaune and Bordeaux after which he went to work in Australia and Oregon. On his return to the Loire valley, Thierry brings a New World and innovative approach to winemaking to optimize the expression of each terrior. Sauvignon Blancs are made from vineyards aged between 13 and 65 years old from the Loire Valley primarily from the renowned appellations of Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, and Touraine.
Laurent Champin
Originally from Burgundy, Laurent has also been the winemaker of La Maison Tramier since 2006. Growing up in the winery of Lugny near Mâcon, where his father was the winemaker, he developed his passion for wine. After his studies, Laurent worked for the Cave de Lugny and had a big experience on the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vinification. Laurent works with small yields to get the best maturation of his grapes. He believes in a slow fermentation process for a better fruit extraction and a very light aging in barrique to best keep the expression of the grape and the terroir. It’s no wonder his wines are regularly awarded in the international press and in competitions!
Claude Fournier
The Fournier’s have been making wine since the 1800s. After many years of hard work, Domaine Fournier is now one of the most important estates in Sancerre. Together with Claude's brother Jacques the family has worked tirelessly to produce top quality wines—using custom made tanks and a modern winery design that incorporates hand sorting of grapes and the use of gravity to ensure delicate treatment of the must (juice). Over the last 50 years, Claude and Jacques have grown the Fournier Estate from their father's 13 to 222 acres in Sancerre, Pouilly Fume and Menetou Salon. Claude's son Thibaut and his wife Stephanie have joined the team, helping with both winemaking and sales. His daughter Aude and her husband Guillaume Pinson have also joined the family estate.