July 27th – Sonoma County’s award-winning Chef-Vintner, Dustin Valette, of acclaimed Healdsburg restaurants Valette and The Matheson, is thrilled to welcome Nicholas Skinner to the position of DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) and Wine Club Manager of his wine brand, Valette Wines and its membership club, designed for wine connoisseurs and food lovers alike. In collaboration with legendary vintners specializing in small production out of Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, a Valette Wines membership is an expression of terroir, married together with Valette’s French-infused, Northern California cuisine.
With an impressive 17-year tenure in the wine industry, Skinner brings a wealth of expertise to this role. He will collaborate closely with Valette, as well as Chief Operating Officer, Michael Riel – who equally possesses considerable experience and professional insight in the wine industry – to elevate Valette Wines and its membership to new heights of excellence.
Skinner’s appreciation for California Wine Country and the industry was highly influenced by his family’s involvement in restaurants during his youth, and frequent trips to Napa Valley, which fed his connection to the world of gastronomy and winemaking, aligning with Chef Valette’s vision for the label.
“Nick’s talents are a true asset to Valette Wines, we are thrilled to have him join the team. His profound expertise in the Sonoma and Napa Valley, and luxury hospitality, enables him to curate elevated experiences for our valued Valette Wines members. Our team is devoted to showcasing our award-winning winemakers and Sonoma County’s terroir through the artistry that goes into creating our wines. Nick shares this dedication, as well as our passion for nurturing a deep connection with our community,” says Valette.
As DTC and Wine Club Manager, Skinner’s focus lies in driving sales, engaging customers, and building brand loyalty for Valette Wines. Additionally, he collaborates with the hospitality teams behind restaurants Valette and The Matheson – crafting engaging promotions, customized exclusive offers, and remarkable experiences for Valette Wines club members, centered around these establishments.
Details:
Skinner was born and raised in Northern California. At the age of 16, he embraced his desire to learn the art of winemaking, leaning in by starting from the ground up; joining a picking crew and working harvests on weekends for Von Strasser Winery. His fondest memory, and what solidified his career in wine, occurred during his first harvest when he was “baptized by wine.” Exhausted from his first weekend on the job, he forgot to close the valve on the tank as he undid the hose clamp – ultimately drenching himself in freshly picked Cabernet Sauvignon.
Prior to joining the Valette Wines team, Skinner held the position of Tasting Room Manager at Peju Province Winery in Rutherford, as well as Assistant General Manager of Von Strasser Winery In Calistoga. Skinner holds a degree from the Wine Business Program at Sonoma State University and is a certified Sommelier with a WSET Level Three certificate.
About Valette Wines
Valette Wines was born out of Chef-Vintner Dustin Valette’s passion for wine, food, and flavor – showcasing legendary small production, terroir-driven winemakers such as Bob Cabral, Tom Rochioli, and Jesse Katz through its expressive portfolio of Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot, and Cabernet. Valette Wines is a proud steward of the land and committed to celebrating the diverse nature of the expansive region, as well as Chef-Vintner Valette’s passions for wine, food, and flavor. Valette Wines pairs perfectly with our regional cuisine and wine-country living.
