HEALDSBURG, CA (May 9, 2023) – Established in 1938, fourth generation family-owned and operated Rochioli Vineyards & Winery has announced the promotion of Rachael Rochioli to General Manager and Ryan Rochioli to Assistant Winemaker.
Starting her career at Rochioli in 2018 as a Hospitality Associate, Rachael quickly learned the business and was promoted to Hospitality Manager the following year. Working very closely with winery owners, Tom and Theresa Rochioli, Rachael has elevated Rochioli’s marketing programs, increased retail sales and revamped the company’s human resources processes and procedures.
“Over the years, Rachael has been incredibly dedicated, focused, and hardworking and we are excited by what her fresh perspective and innovative thinking will bring as she settles into her to her new position as General Manager,” said Tom Rochioli.
Rachael entered the wine business after receiving her Business Management degree from the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management. Her first wine industry position was overseeing 15 retail accounts as a Sales Representative for Southern Glazers in Los Angeles. She returned to Sonoma County in 2016 and began working for a neighboring winery, Bacigalupi Vineyard, as an Assistant Tasting Room Manager before joining the family business. Since she’s returned to Rochioli, Rachael has also received her Wine Business Management certification from Sonoma State and is currently studying for her Level 2 WSET.
Additionally, Ryan Rochioli has been promoted to Assistant Winemaker at the historic Russian River vineyard and winery. Also a fourth-generation member of the Rochioli family, Ryan has worked alongside winery Owner/Winemaker, Tom Rochioli and Cellar Master, Terry Bering, since 2021. In that time, he had the opportunity to work across all aspects of the vineyard and wine making process and will now focus specifically on wine production.
Ryan has worked at several well-known wineries such as Williams Selyem, Landmark and Dutcher Crossing, in a variety of cellar and vineyard roles. In 2018, Ryan briefly left the wine industry to explore brewing beer. He became an accomplished brewer at Fort Point Beer Co. in San Francisco, and with Fieldwork Brewing in Berkeley. He hopes to continue brewing small seasonal batches with our native hops and local ingredients, paying tribute to the Rochioli Family’s early history of growing hops in the region.
Tom Rochioli added, “Ryan has demonstrated the tenacity, focus and passion that is required to make world-class wines. His hard work and attention to detail has been instrumental in the production of our wines from the vineyard to the bottle and he couldn’t be more deserving of the promotion. We’ve been looking forward to the next generation entering our family business and to have Rachael and Ryan working together as leaders is incredibly fulfilling for our family.”
Prior to his return to Rochioli, Ryan received his degree in Economics in 2017 at UC Davis. Additionally, he obtained his certification of viticulture and winemaking through the UC Davis extension program.
Founded by the Rochioli family in 1938, the vineyards were first planted by the late Russian River Valley pioneer, Joe Rochioli Sr. and his son, Joe Rochioli Jr., Ryan is excited to take on his new role as assistant winemaker, working alongside his sister, Rachael, both continuing the Rochioli legacy.
