Tom Rinaldi - Winemaker
There are a handful of people that can be called pioneers of Napa Valley Merlot. Tom Rinaldi is one of them. As the founding winemaker at Duckhorn and now making wines at Provenance, Tom has consistently produced some of the best Merlots in the world. Tom is a great fit on our team. He shares our passion for hand crafting Merlot and truly serves as an inspiration for us all. Tom guides our belief in letting the fruit express itself. "My job is to step in when the wolves are howling at the door." This is great quote that sums up Tom's style. He views himself as a sheppard and makes sure he takes care of the wine and helps it get pointed in the right direction. From there, he only steps in if there is a problem. He truly understands that the grapes are where the great wines come from.
Eric Bolen - Proprietor and Operations Manager
My father introduced me to fine wine at an early age. He collected 1st growth Bordeaux wines and focused on the Merlot based Right Bank wines. I developed a love for Merlot wines from an early age. Over the years I always found myself frustrated by the lack of good Merlot wines. I seized the opportunity, chased my passion, and began a winery that focuses on the making the world's best Merlot.
I now spend my days showing wine lovers how great Merlot really is. You can find me in the tasting room, on Twitter, on Facebook, or just call me on the phone. I am always talking wine, but love talkign Merlot.
Mike Bolen - Proprietor
Mike has found his calling on this hillside of Napa Valley. He can be found in the vineyard most days tinkering with something. His passion is working the land. A common sight is mike in a knee deep trench fixing a broken irrigation line. Covered in mud and dirt with a hat that has seen better days, you will find dad with the biggest smile on his face. He makes sure things are running in tip top shape.
After a lifetime running contruction and manufacturing companies, mike has found a certain peacefulness in the wine business. Mike started in the wine world by collectiong 1st growth bordeaux's through the 1980's. This began fostering a love for wine that has led him to Napa Valle. He imparted that passion into his son and they are working side by side to make world class wines.
Ramon - Vineyard Foreman
Ramon was born in Zamora, Mexico in 1948. At the age of 8, he began working the fields of Zamora framing corn, strawberries, onions, and tomatoes. In 1974, at the age of 26, he left Mexico looking for a better life for his family. Upon arrival in Napa Valley, he found work in the vineyards of Christian Brothers Winery. Ramon found great fulfillment working with the vines. He enjoys nurturing that vines through their life process. After over 30 years of experience in the vineyards of Napa Valley, Ramon believes you never stop learning. His favorite part of the season is pruning the vines. Ramon understands that proper pruning is necessary for high quality grapes.
Ramon wants his legacy to be the knowledges that he passes down to the next generation of vineyard workers.
