TEAM
Taylor Shoptaw -- Winemaker
Taylor is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. He studied viticulture and enology in New Zealand and has spent the past nine years traveling between hemispheres working for outstanding winemakers. He was most recently an assistant winemaker in the Finger Lakes AVA, and production supervisor in the Alexander Valley. When not working he enjoys reading, writing, sailing and watching the Tennessee Vols.
Michelle Hunt - Director of Wholesale Sales
Michelle is a seasoned industry veteran with a background in all 3 tiers of the wine business; first in fine wine retail in Charleston, SC, then with a distributor in South Carolina, and finally on the supplier side with wineries in Napa & Walla Walla. She loves the wine business and especially the “herding cats” aspect of wine sales - she loves a good challenge! Michelle's been with Bravante Vineyards since 2005, first as General Manger and now as National Sales Manager, based on the east coast. Besides working with our distributor and wholesale partners across the US, she is also the occasional winery “rep” at fundraisers, dinners and educational events, and she loves being there for the “a-ha!” moment when someone falls in love with wine. When she’s not out on the road hustling vino, you’ll find her in her expansive garden (her form of therapy), and testing new tomato recipes in the kitchen.
Jeff Hayman, Tasting Room Manager
707-965-2552, Jeff@bravantewine.com
Having worked at iconic wineries like Domaine Carnaros, Benziger, Beaulieu Vineyards, and in the high tech industry for over a decade, Jeff is a proven wine industry professional with a focus on collaborative team management and customer-centered business acumen. Throughout his career, he has mentored and motivated teams to exceed their goals, leveraged this knowledge of the high tech industry to implement innovative revenue streams, and delivered on creating and maintaining a high end luxury feel to the customer experience.
Steve Sichel, Director of Consumer Sales & Wine Club Manager
(707) 271-0101, Steve@bravantewine.com