Mary Pencek, Director of Retail Operations

Mary, that red-headed whirling dervish, is probably headed into another meeting.  When she isn’t too busy, she’s laughing and amusing us with her wonderful sense of humor.  With several years of retail management, Mary has brought a lot of great things to Cuvaison (including her dog, Little Jeffrey).

Joell Kurrus, Special Events Manager
 

Joelle Kurrus, our new Special Events Manager, has been in the event and education industries for several years, and last October, received her Certified Wine Professional designation from The Culinary Institute of America. Joelle enjoys guiding Cuvaison guests through the process that transforms grapes from the vineyard into the delicious Cuvaison wine in their glass. She resides in Healdsburg with husband, Glen, and golden retriever, Buddy, and spends her free time doing what so many visitors to Napa Valley enjoy: wine tasting and taking in the natural beauty of the area. .

Jean Varner, Tasting Room Manager
 

Jean has been referred to as a “Pope Valley pioneer” having lived and raised her family here for over the past 28 years. She has four children and six grandchildren and if that’s not enough to keep her busy, six cats and four dogs! Probably why one of her trademarks in the Tasting Room is the ability to keep everyone and everything on track. In her free time Jean can be found preparing wonderful meals to be paired with her favorite wine—currently our Estate Selection Pinot Noir.

Mike Taylor, Carneros Tasting Room 
 

Mike Taylor, our Carneros Tasting Room Sales Associate, brought loads of that “friendly Southern charm” when he left the south and moved west. In 2005, Mike completed the Advanced Certificate course through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and built and launched his own website, where he writes his own wine reviews. Mike’s passion for wine is contagious, you’ll discover once you meet him. He’s the perfect host, and looks forward to meeting you on your next visit to our Carneros tasting room.

Kathy Lampi

Kathy has been the Assistant Controller with Cuvaison for 6 years. When she isn't taking her annual trek to Disneyland with her family, or here at work, you will probably find her over in Santa Rosa. She and Shelley are the dynamic duo who share an office and stay busy keeping track of the inventories, invoices, and finances.

Shelley, raised in St. Helena, hasn't moved far from the nest. When she isn't handling the accounting for the winery, she is on the road to Oregon visiting family. Shelley has been with the Cuvaison family for more than 15 years!