Somerston Wine Co - About Us

ABOUT US

Our People

The strength of Somerston is the people that are working hard to deliver our product to you. From the founders to the newest staff members, we believe in hard work, perseverance, and a little luck can make great things happen. We are committed to developing a vineyard and winery that is driven by inspiration, quality, sustainability, and the belief in our own success.

F. Allan Chapman
Proprietor
In 2004, Allan Chapman was lured to the Somerston property by its pure beauty and unspoiled landscape. He brings his wealth of knowledge and insight to Somerston as its CEO and Proprietor providing long-term vision and inspiration to the project.

Craig Becker
General Manager / Director of Winemaking and Viticulture

Craig Becker is a founding member of Somerston. He is a seasoned winemaker and has worked with a wide range of varieties planted at some of California’s top hillside vineyards. Driven by his strong interest in plant and soil science Craig attended the University of California at Davis studying plant physiology, hydrologic science, enology, and viticulture. It is Craig’s artisan approach to winemaking and his extensive knowledge in viticulture that enables him to create superb wines from a wide range of varieties and sites. As General Manager of Somerston, Craig oversees all aspects of the business from viticulture, winemaking, sales and marketing, finance and business development.
craig@somerstonwineco.com

Kathleen Meek
National Sales Manager
Kathleen was most recently Division Manager West of Banville & Jones Wine Merchants. She previously held positions as Director of Sales and Marketing for Spring Mountain Vineyard and National Sales Manager for Cain Vineyard and Winery. She is a graduate of Sonoma State University, and has been a guest speaker on wine sales at numerous industry conferences.
kathleen@somerstonwineco.com

Lamar Engel
Tasting Room Manager for Yountville & St.Helena / Sommelier

Lamar brings a broad level of experience to Somerston. After several years leading Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon Estate wine & hospitality programs while working closely under Master Sommelier Larry Stone, Lamar Engel became drawn to the artisan passion for wine and slow food that led him to Somerston. Lamar manages a team of passionate wine specialists at 2 tasting rooms, the Yountville tasting lounge as well as the winery tasting room located on Sage Canyon Road, St.Helena. "It's rare to find a team of passionate wine altruists that one can truley resonate with and see that their desire is to deliver high quality wines paired with memorable experiences; for this anyone would jump ship to come aboard and join the journey!"
lamar@somerstonwineco.com