Lauren Nicholsen assumes general manager position at the historic property
ST HELENA, CALIF. (August 3, 2023): Wheeler Farms, a Napa Valley historic estate established in the 1800s, welcomes Lauren Nicholsen to the winery as General Manager of Hospitality. Lauren joins Winemaker Nigel Kinsman, Executive Chef Tom Harder, and Cellar Master Cesar Sandoval on the leadership team.
“Lauren’s extensive experience in marketing and hospitality is impressive, and we look forward to working with her as she ushers the Wheeler Farms hospitality experience into the future,” said Bart Araujo, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Wheeler Farms. “Her passion for the industry, track record of success, and fluency in hospitality and client delight will benefit every aspect of this estate. We are beyond thrilled to have her join the team.”
Nicholsen brings more than 15 years of experience working with some of the area’s most well-known brands to the role. Most recently, she served as the Director of Marketing and DTC Sales for Vineyard 29 and CRU with mentorship from owner Chuck McMinn and CEO Coach Ramona Cappello. Her expertise includes business development, ecommerce brand management, team leadership, wine club management, digital and social media marketing, business strategy, and distributor relations. She has earned a graduate certificate in Marketing, Management and Digital Strategy from Harvard University Extension School and is now a candidate for Master of Liberal Arts Management, also from Harvard Extension..
“This opportunity to work with the Araujo family comes full circle, as I’ve witnessed firsthand their influence on Napa Valley since the 1990s and what they have built both at Araujo Estate and at Wheeler Farms,” said Nicholsen. “Joining the team here feels like home, and I look forward to strengthening J.H. Wheeler’s position in the market, elevating expectations for client delight, and engaging with friends of Wheeler Farms.”
Wheeler Farms is a diversified expression of Napa Valley’s rich agricultural history. In addition to more than seven acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc planted in 2016, the estate is home to a heritage fruit tree orchard, olive trees, edible gardens, chickens, and bees. The state-of-the-art winery on property offers the J.H. Wheeler winemaking team, as well as other quality-driven wine brands, the opportunity to produce wine using the most advanced technology available.
Wheeler Farms welcomes guests to the property by reservation for Napa Valley wine and culinary experiences connecting the historical significance of the land with the finest of today’s harvest. For more information about Wheeler Farms, reservations, or to acquire wine, please visit www.wheelerfarms.com or email visit@wheelerfarmswine.com.
ABOUT WHEELER FARMS
Located in Saint Helena, Calif., Wheeler Farms is a historic property featuring a winery, vineyard, hospitality house, and culinary gardens originally established in the late 1800s and reimagined by a group of oenophiles, including Bart and Daphne Araujo, in 2014. Wheeler Farms offers authentic Napa Valley wine and culinary tasting experiences by appointment for its namesake wine brand, in addition to other quality-driven wine brands, all of which are made on-site at the state-of-the-art winery. For more information about Wheeler Farms, reservations, or to acquire wine, please visit www.wheelerfarms.com or email visit@wheelerfarmswine.com.
