Our Team
Our team is made up of passionate professionals committed to producing the highest quality wines. Though we each strive to perfect our specialty, our teamwork overlaps and intersects to ensure an intentionally holistic approach in everything we do. This sense of community reaches beyond the walls of Montinore Estate, to the greater Oregon wine industry, where we collaborate and cooperate with our peers to promote our craft, our wine-growing region and this amazing place we call home.
Winemaking
Our winemaking team is a tenacious group with a diverse set of experience. With exceptional attention to detail and unparalleled passion for making wine, they are always striving to raise the bar for what customers can expect out of the Willamette Valley. They have a shared philosophy that minimal intervention and trust in the process allow the fruit to best express itself.
Stephen Webber
Head Winemaker
As Montinore Estates’ head winemaker, Stephen captains all aspects of the winemaking process; from vine to bottle. His creative vision and attention to detail pave the way for beautiful wines that are true to the terroir.
Cassie Mueller
Lead Cellar Hand
Cassie started her wine career as a sommelier in New York City before coming out to Oregon to work harvest in 2021. She now leads Montinore’s cellar hands at every stage of production.
Casey Rideout
Assistant Winemaker
After 10 years in wine hospitality management in Paso Robles, Casey joined Montinore as a harvest intern, moving his way up the ranks before becoming Cellarmaster in 2022 and Assistant Winemaker in 2024.
Viticulture
Being a good steward of the land is the number one priority for each member of our viticulture team. They strive to leave a place better than it was found by promoting biodiversity, eliminating artificial inputs and replenishing the soil through regenerative farming techniques, creating a lush and resilient ecosystem.
Clay Wesson
Head of Viticulture
Clay carries on Montinore Estate’s Biodynamic and organic legacy with industry recognition for his outstanding work in land stewardship. Most recently, Clay accepted the 2023 Award for Excellence in Sustainability from LIVE.
Isabel Torres Ramires
Assistant Vineyard Manager
Isabel joined our team in 2022 with extensive experience. While not in harvest mode, Isabel conducts and leads data collection in order to maintain healthy and balanced vines for many vintages to come. In her free time, Isabel grows the best peppers this crew has tasted.
Hijinio Mejia Rodriges
Head Mechanic
Hijinio has been with Montinore Estate since 1996. Starting out as a vineyard crew member, he quickly moved up through the ranks. Hijinio keeps all of our vineyard equipment at peak condition and always with a smile on his face.
Sergio Reyes
Vineyard Manager
With over 30 years at Montinore, Sergio has a vast knowledge of our land and practices, providing superior leadership to vineyard operations, he is an asset to our team.
Alfredo Santiago
Vineyard Foreman
Alfredo has been working at the estate since 1985. His intimate knowledge of the property makes him the perfect person to lead our vineyard crew year after year.
Sales & Marketing
This high-energy team is responsible for bringing Montinore Estate to all four corners of the country and beyond. Chutzpah runs deep in this seasoned group with every member bringing a unique set of skills and capabilities and a can-do attitude to the table.
Jayme Lowe
Sales Director / Senior Director Strategic Accounts
Jayme began her career working with high-profile beer producers and boutique wineries before joining us to manage distribution in the Southwest and lead our National Accounts.
Colleen Berard
NW Business Manager
Colleen has an accomplished career in the wine industry for nearly a decade. She currently supports wholesale in the Northwest and oversees tasting room operations.
Mary Luken Raz
Marketing Manager
Mary has diverse experience in brand management and direct-to-consumer programming. She is instrumental in building national recognition of Montinore Estate online and locally through our tasting rooms.
Tyson Theese
Senior Manager - Retail Sales,
McMinnville Tasting Room Manager & Wine Club Manager
Tyson is an experienced wine professional with a diverse range of experience in hospitality as well as sales management. Having earned multiple wine certifications, Tyson has a passion for educating his guests to create a world-class experience for anyone who visits.
Hannah Falter
Director of Marketing
Hannah has an accomplished career managing various notable wineries in the northwest and beyond and leads our marketing and direct-to-consumer initiatives.
Peter Stone
Regional Sales Director
Peter has more than 2 decades of experience in the hospitality and wine industry. He is responsible for wholesale distribution in our Southeastern markets.
Molly McKannay
Business Insight Manager
With five years of experience in the wine industry, Molly supports National Accounts by blending analytics and a passion for wine to craft compelling sales narratives to drive growth and enhance brand appeal.
Leadership
The vision for our dynamic organization is driven by this motivational duo. Rudy is our guiding light in sustainability, helping the winery continue our commitment to Biodynamic and organic farming and sustainable winemaking. Brandon is a passionate leader who understands the hard work needed to craft exceptional wine and build a notable brand. Their leadership is what drives Montinore to fulfill its greatest potential.
Brandon Ackley
President
With a deep appreciation for the world-class wine produced in Oregon and over a decade of experience in business management, Brandon is committed to amplifying the Montinore legacy.
Rudy Marchesi
Partner
A leader in Biodynamic® viticulture, Rudy has been in the wine industry for over 40 years. Rudy supports the vineyard, winemaking and sales teams.
Cyndi Buehler
Executive Vice President - Operations
For more than a decade, Cyndi has immersed herself with the ins and outs of growing an efficient, productive operation. She brings that knowledge and skillset to Ackley alongside her desire to champion people while growing a dynamic company culture.