Our People

WINEMAKERS

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  Karen Culler

  Winemaker

  Karen Culler first got her winemaking experience destemming grapes by hand for her father and grandfather's homemade wine in Ohio. After graduating from Ohio State University, Karen moved to Seattle where she went to work for Columbia Winery. Inspired to learn more, Karen left Columbia to get her Master's Degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis.

  After graduating in 1984, a six month internship in the Research Department at Robert Mondavi Winery turned into a career. Two years later, when Mondavi purchased Vichon Winery, Karen was promoted first to Assistant Winemaker at Vichon and then to Winemaker in 1989.

  In 1996, Vichon Napa Valley disbanded, and Karen decided to start her own label. The first vintage of Culler Wines was released in 1997.

  Karen is also the winemaker at Ladera Vineyards and is known for being one of Napa's top Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah winemakers. Karen has always been intrigued by the elegance and finesse of the Pinot Noir varietal and after years of working with bold mountain fruit, she jumped at the opportunity to lead the winemaking decisions for Pillow Rd

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  Trester Goetting

  Associate Winemaker

  Trester Goetting, or Tres, as he is called, was raised on the eastern outskirts of Napa. Starting as a cellar rat with Tulocay Winery, he gained experience at Domaine Carneros and Yorkville Cellars before attending college at Humboldt State University. In 1998 Tres joined the winemaking team at St. Clement Vineyards before coming to Ladera Vineyards team in 2004. His successes as assistant winemaker led him to a much deserved promotion to associate winemaker in 2007 for both Ladera Vineyards and Pillow Rd. Tres has a minor in music with an emphasis on the double bass, favoring jazz and blues.

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  Gabriel Reyes

  Vineyard Manager

  Gabriel Reyes has been the Vineyard Manager for what is now Ladera's Howell Mountain property since 1986 and is responsible for all vineyard operations at both Ladera and Pillow Rd. Previously, he worked as vineyard foreman at Cuvaison Winery. Gabriel and his family reside on the Ladera Vineyards' property in Angwin.