Gene Kirkham, Happy Farmer

  Gene's mother had no idea what she was starting when she purchased a small Oakville vineyard and summer home in 1956.  By 1974 Gene had moved full-time to this St. Helena location with his own family, escaping the fast paced attorney- life of San Francisco .  He gladly became steward to some Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Gamay vineyards that were established on the property as well as caretaker to the small vineyard on his mother's property.    It didn't take long, just four years for Gene to conclude that it would be easier (and more fun) to make the wine than it had been to sell the grapes.   In 1979 an out building on the property was expanded and appropriately stocked with a basket press, tanks and barrels to accommodate the newly born Casa Nuestra Winery.

  Enthusiastic friends and family (who were delighted to work for wine) were recruited.  The resulting success was almost over night with awards and acclaim pouring in immediately.

  Gene's dedication to preserving the heritage and originality of the Casa Nuestra homestead remains one of the cornerstones of our winemaking philosophy.

  Rigo had no idea how passionate he would become about vines and wine when he joined the Casa family back in 1986.  No one knows the eighteen acres of vineyards here at our St. Helena estate and the 1.6-acre vineyard in Oakville as intimately.  They are in his charge, and this is no easy undertaking.  Rigo plants, prunes, ties, harvests and tills these vineyards personally.  His assistance in the cellar is also invaluable.  He has an astute palette and is an aspiring home-winemaker.  (He's pretty darn good too!)  If you spot him in the vineyard during your visit please feel free to ask him a question or two.  His vineyard and wine knowledge is paramount.  He, like Allen, has red wine in his veins!

  Modest, shy and soft-spoken are three words that may come to mind when you think of Stephanie.  However you wouldn't be thinking about our Stephanie!   The virtual heart and soul of the Casa these days you can find her here doing just about everything!  From heading up Club Casa to helping with the wines' final blends to hanging out in the tasting room for the random “quality control” tastings. 

  Stephanie fell in love with Casa Nuestra in 2001 and has been with us ever since. We have seen nothing but great (knock on wood) things with her arrival.  Stephanie's input and contributions to the Casa Nuestra wine family have been limitless. 

  In 2006, Martin has rejoined the land of his youth after discovering that although Washington is a beautiful place, ‘there is no place like home.' He and his young son settled in quickly and it's as if Martin has never been away.

  He is reacquainting himself with all the various aspects of farming (now that he's old enough to actually drive the tractor!) We were especially grateful to have him back in time for the ‘06 harvest!

  Martin offers a fresh perspective to the winery's overall appearance. He's got a great eye for beauty, as you can see in his two beautiful dogs, now assigned to the
“Official Greeter” department.

  We often refer to the Casa Nuestra staff as ‘family” and Esequiel certainly is!  He is the brother-in-law to Rigo, our Vineyard Manager.  Esequiel has been with us full-time since 2003 and is definitely one of our stars.  He knows the vineyards almost as well as Rigo and offers great support in the field.   He joined us with more than 30 years of farming experience, so you can just imagine how much knowledge that represents - truly immeasurable. 

  

He has his own piece of property with a once small “shack” on it in our neighboring county of Sonoma . He's attempting to make it his castle, all by himself, within six months of purchasing the property (can you hear us laughing??)  Well, that purchase was seven long years ago!  Now, Bailey is building his house on his days off, here every day that we can get him, and traveling to exotic places any chance he gets.  Go ahead - ask him about the house!!

   Go ahead – just try to wear her out chasing the tennis ball!

   BUSTER & BUBBA, hired in the fall of 2006, are black lab/St. Bernard mixes- father and son to be precise. They are very playful and love to chase the tractor and their master, Martin. Although when they are in the vicinity of the parking lot, both are quite talented at the art of reception.

   They are in love with Rigo, who treats them to sweet alfalfa on a regular basis. They work seasonally here now, but are always willing to take a break from their break to say "bahhhh" to a friendly visitor. They show a bit more enthusiasm for picnickers! So, feel free to feed the goats, but not the dogs!