About Us

My great-great-grandfather was a beer entrepreneur named Adolph Coors – you’ve probably heard of him. Growing up in Colorado, my family taught me that family businesses depend on the dedication of the people within it, and that leaders must lead by example, with humility.

I started working in wine after college with the Gallo family, where I met my future husband, Dave Ficeli. After we got married and I finished my MBA, Dave and I relocated to Napa while I was working with my family’s distributorship company. In 2013, I helped my family acquire the Goosecross property, seeing the rare chance to revitalize a family legacy in the heart of Napa Valley. I led the Coors team designing a new building and making the most of the stunning country lane location without losing its unpretentious charm.

At the same time, Dave and I worked together on our own, personal brand – C. Elizabeth. I connected with the highly acclaimed winemaker Bill Nancarrow, and invited him to take over winemaking for both C. Elizabeth and Goosecross. Working closely with Bill, I help to shape the style of our wines, and do my best to cultivate a warm, welcoming culture for everyone. When I’m not working, I love spending time with Dave and our kids, Luke and Lucy, and giving back to my community through board of directors service and charitable fundraising efforts.

I’m a wine business veteran with a taste for tall challenges. Growing up in Michigan, I dreamed of California sunshine and vineyards… and eventually made my way to Gallo, where I met my future wife, Christi Coors. 

In 2003, we followed our dreams to Napa Valley, and I spent a few years using my MBA to help build wine brands for large global companies. My entrepreneurial itch was too strong, though, and I founded a marketing firm in 2005 to help smaller wineries nurture their brands to success. A decade later, I dove into winery operations as a General Manager for Jackson Family Wines. Overseeing production of the group’s Napa County and Carneros properties, I got involved with water conservation and reclamation, helping improve the sustainability of the company’s most water-efficient facility. 

In 2014, winemaker Bill Nancarrow helped Christi and myself crush our first vintage of C. Elizabeth, our personal passion project. In 2021, we took our family wine business to the next level by purchasing Goosecross together – securing a stunning estate and portfolio of wines in the heart of Napa Valley. While I mostly handle marketing and business strategy, I still gravitate towards production. My favorite role is as a summer intern, scrubbing bins, making additions, and asking lots of questions.

Beyond work, I love spending time with the people who inspire my efforts: my wife and business partner Christi, our son Luke, and daughter Lucy. I also give back to our community by serving on our local groundwater advisory committee, supporting health-related charities close to my heart, and coaching my kids’ sports teams.

My journey to Goosecross has led me across four continents. I was born and raised in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, and graduated college with a degree in hotel management. An interest in wine and food led me to Cape Town, South Africa, managing a fine dining establishment. Hungry to learn more, I headed to France, backpacking my way through legendary winegrowing regions like Alsace, Champagne, Chablis, Beaune and Bordeaux. I then made my way to the UK, where I managed vineyards at Thorncraft Vineyards south of London.  

Heading home to Hawkes Bay, I worked at the renowned Pask Winery with Kate Radburn – one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winemakers. She had a profound influence on my winemaking, emphasizing regional and varietal authenticity, with a constant eye to sustainability.

Keen for a Northern Hemisphere crush, I travelled to Napa Valley in 2001 to help Duckhorn Vineyards, a famed Merlot house. When an assistant winemaker position opened up, I grabbed it. I soon was also the winemaker for sister brand Paraduxx, and in 2007 I became Executive Winemaker of Duckhorn Wine Company’s Napa Valley properties.

Craving a smaller operation where I could be more hands-on, I joined Goosecross in 2013. I’m really a farmer at heart, and here I’ve been able to help revitalize the estate vineyard as well as the portfolio of wines. Through my vineyard relationships, I also introduced Christi and Dave to the Game Farm Vineyard, the singular source for their wine brand, C. Elizabeth.

I’m known as the “mad scientist” around here, because I’m always testing new techniques and methods to achieve the best possible result. From compost tea fertigation in the vineyard to leaving foot-treaded Chardonnay on the skins overnight, I love to try new things and push the envelope in pursuit of quality.

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I’m a Napa Valley native with a deep passion for people and their behaviors. I started my hospitality career working in restaurants at age 15, and fell in love with wine working for a sparkling wine house a few years later. In the 20+ years since my first coup de foudre, I built my wine career at Quintessa, Mayacamas Vineyards, and Honig Vineyard Winery, refining skills in business management, developing hospitality teams, and creating wine club and communications programs. 

Today, I live in St. Helena with my teenage son, twin boys, and two furry felines. Long hikes and moonlit walks help me recharge my batteries and get grounded for tomorrow.

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I was born and raised in Torrance, California, but moved to Napa Valley with my wife in 2009. I graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, and received my level 2 Sommelier Certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013. I honed my wine business skills as Tasting Room Manager at Merryvale Vineyards, Starmont Winery, and Imagery Estates in Glen Ellen, but it wasn’t until I joined the Goosecross team in 2017 that I truly felt at home. Today, I’m the Goosecross Tasting Room Manager as well as the Wine Club & Event Coordinator.

In my spare time, I love to travel with my wife and son, cook and entertain with friends, and listen to music. I am a total pop culture junkie and love anything 80s and 90s! My favorite movie is Pulp Fiction, but I also love everything Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy.

I truly believe that children are our future and that we should teach them well and let them lead the way. We should show them all the beauty they possess inside, to give them a sense of pride and make it easier!

Please feel free to reach out with questions about Goosecross!

I’ve been working in the Napa/Sonoma wine scene for about 10 years, and I joined the Goosecross team in 2019. I immediately felt like part of the family, fitting right in with the wise cracking and fun atmosphere you can always find here.

Making my start in the industry as a tasting room host, I quickly learned that I was much better suited to the logistical side of wine. I discovered my knack for managing shipping and inventory, and that’s where I’ve built my niche.

When I’m not counting our inventory of “Goose Juice,” you can probably find me at a concert, brewery, campground, or beach – anywhere with a good swimming spot for Remy, the adorable black pup you’ve probably seen roaming the vineyard hunting for gophers. When not adventuring, I’m likely curled up on the couch with a thriller or fantasy book and a glass of Goosecross Merlot!

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I'm a Sagittarius with an Aquarius Moon Rising, born with a love for life! I came to Goosecross a decade ago after more than 25 years in the Napa Valley restaurant scene. Joining this team was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself, and I’m forever thankful for the opportunities it has brought. I get to talk to all our awesome Goosecross family members in the office, and also travel across the US hosting private tastings for our wine club members and fans – who doesn’t want to do that?

I am a self-proclaimed foodie and wine and bourbon snob, and I love finding killer farm-to-table food on my travels across the US, especially in unexpected places. Since I travel so much, hanging out at home with my family and friends is one of my favorite things to do outside of work. (Honestly, I love it even more when my family is busy and I get my house to myself!) 

Fun fact: In another life, I worked as a professional sheep shower and groomer, spending every summer in Coos Bay, OR on a 500-acre sheep and cattle ranch.

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I’ve been working at Goosecross for about nine years, on and off, because I love being somewhere people are happy and excited to visit. This is a very special place to me for many reasons, but especially because of the people I work with. Plus of course the amazing wines and view! 

I’m someone who loves to learn – about any subject – and I enjoy having random fun facts in my back pocket to share. My family means everything to me, so when I’m not at Goosecross my favorite thing to do is spend time with my kids and go camping. I also love to sing and dance, listen to live music with friends, and do hair (I happen to have my own hair salon, too).

I started working in wine on the bottling line in 2005, at the suggestion of a family member. Once I moved into production, I learned on the job and never looked back. I met Bill (Nancarrow, Goosecross’s winemaker) working a temporary harvest job and we really hit it off. He asked if I wanted to come to Goosecross, and I did – working at a small family winery was a dream come true. I love making wine that people will enjoy, and I love interacting with people to make them laugh and smile. If you are ever at Goosecross, ask for me and I’ll come over!

Outside of work, I love watching football, bike riding, and knowing my girls are on the path for success.

Am I a dog or a cat person? DOG, no hesitation.

I joke that a friend of mine harassed me into joining the wine industry in 2004, but once I started, the rest is history. I loved the wine and experience visiting Goosecross, so when I saw a job open up, I was in! My Low Key Super Power is that I love to talk...and I love seeing the “wow” on people’s faces when they have a great experience with me.

What motivates me most is taking care of my family and showing them that life can always be different. I blaze my own path and try to be a positive example. Always stay positive and look forward – great things are out there! Outside of work, I love to play with my plants – I’m a secret gardener – and I actually have my own little garden at Goosecross.

One random, fun fact about me: I love to play with Hot Wheels.

I lived most of my life in Mexico, but am now a proud US citizen. I chose a career in wine to keep me busy during the day. I love hearing all the stories, and love the family and people here at Goosecross. Being around nice people who make you happy is the best. Everything in the world feels right.

Family time is extremely important to me and I love it when my whole, big family gets together. We laugh all day long and have so much fun. When I’m not working or having family time, I like to take my time to relax and read books. I am also a dog person, for sure.

I joined the wine industry here at Goosecross because it combines two of the things I’m most passionate about – world-class wines and people. Everyone here is as passionate about the wines as they are about the hospitality, and every experience here is authentic and sincere.

I’m driven by the pursuit of becoming and being my best self, but when it’s time to relax, you’ll find me with my lady and my pups in front of a campfire, sharing our favorite bottle. Some other fun facts about me? My hands have been on the Food Network. And, I’m also passionate about coffee and whiskey.

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Living in Napa most of my life, I’ve worked in the wine industry on and off for 30 years. I’ve always been fascinated by the life cycle of grapes, and I really like sharing that aspect with Goosecross guests – along with our great wines, beautiful grounds, and our progressive and great events. Not everyone has choices, and I try to be grateful every day for what I have here.

My favorite things to do outside of work are spending time with my daughter, going to the ocean, and attending live concerts. Other fun facts about me: I like all animals except raccoons, and my brain is full of “useless” trivia about rock and Motown from the 60s and 70s. I won’t remember if you ask – it just comes to me sporadically!