Wine Road – Northern Sonoma County
Board of Directors – May 2022
10 winery representatives, 3 lodging representatives
PRESIDENT
Lillian Fechter – Francis Ford Coppola Winery – Senior Manager, DTC and Hospitality
Lillian is the Senior Manager for DTC and Hospitality at Francis Ford Coppola Winery and has been with The Family Coppola for 8 years. During her tenure, she has been focused on the branding and growth of the DTC business in a variety of roles, including managing the Tasting Room, Guest Services, wine clubs, and trade relations. UC Santa Barbara graduate with a degree in Film and Media returned to Northern California to pursue a career in the wine industry. She is a current Board Member and past Executive Committee Chair for the Young Professionals Network of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, and as a member of the Healdsburg Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
Email: lillian.fechter@francisfordcoppolawinery.com
PRESIDENT PRO TEM
John Viszlay – Viszlay Vineyards – Owner/Winemaker
John Viszlay, is owner and winemaker at Viszlay Vineyards. The winery was established in 2010 when John relocated from Chicago to launch a family wine brand. He enjoyed wine for most of his adult life but had not considered a career in the industry until deciding on a lifestyle change in late 2009. Up to that point he had been successful in the shopping center industry for over 20 years. He represented landlords and retailers with site selection and lease negotiations as well as handling management and operations. John has 3 adult children, with 2 of them working in the family wine business along side of him. He grew up in Pittsburgh, went to school in Ohio and raised his kids in Minnesota. His outside interests include music, cycling and charitable work.
Email: johnviszlay@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Devin Ruddick – Hook and Ladder Vineyards and Winery – Tasting Room Manager & Donations & Events Manager
I have spent the last 10 years honing my hospitality skills as part of the Hook and Ladder team. I excel in a group atmosphere and relish the opportunity to strategize and problem solve with others. I would like to be a part of the Wine Road Board to further connect with other members while giving a voice for ideas, triumphs and challenges wineries face.
Email: devin@hookandladderwinery.com
SECRETARY
Teri Rolleri – Merriam Vineyards – Director of Hospitality
Email: teri@merriamvineyeards.com
TREASURER
Katie Ambrosi – Wilson Artisan Wines – Director of Marketing
Email: katie@wilsonartisanwines.com
EXECUTIVE BOARD LODGING REPRESENTATIVE
Dan Christensen – Owner, Geyserville Inn
Email: Dan@geyservilleinn.com
WINERY REPRESENTATIVES
Helen Sharrocks – Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Director of Special Projects
Email: helen@ballettovineyards.com
Oded Shakked – Longboard Vineyards – Owner/Winemaker
Email: oded@longboardvineyards.com
Jack Seifrick – Cast Wines, owner
Email: jseifrick@gmail.com
Harry Wetzel – Alexander Valley Vineyards, Head of Operations, Family Partner
Email: H2W4@avvwine.com
Lucas Meeker – The Meeker Vineyard, Winemaker
Email: lucas@meekerwine.com
LODGING REPRESENTATIVES
Aaron Krug – Best Western Dry Creek Inn – owner
Email: aaron@drycreekinn.com
Brooke Ross – Hotel Trio, Director of Sales & Marketing
Email: Brooke.Ross@aimhosp.com
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Executive Director – Beth Costa beth@wineroad.com
Event Manager – Debbie Osborn debbie@wineroad.com