July 9, 2025 (Rutherford, CA) — Dana Estates is proud to announce the promotion of Maura Johnson to Director of Winemaking. A rising star in the world of fine wine, Johnson brings a global perspective, deep scientific acumen, and a passion for terroir-driven winemaking to the helm of the estate’s celebrated program.
Born and raised in Southern California, Johnson began her winemaking journey at the age of 18 while studying Mathematics at UC Davis. It was there she discovered the Viticulture and Enology program—a perfect blend of scientific rigor and hands-on craftsmanship—which would shape the foundation of her career. After graduating, Johnson gained experience at top wineries across Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and Napa Valley, refining her technique and philosophy with every vintage.
In 2018, she joined Dana Estates as Assistant Winemaker and spent the next several years working closely under the mentorship of Winemaker Chris Cooney and renowned consultant Philippe Melka. In 2025, she was named Director of Winemaking, overseeing production across Dana’s acclaimed estate vineyards with a focus on sustainability and minimalist practices that allow the purity of the fruit to shine.
“I’m incredibly honored to step into the role of Director of Winemaking at Dana Estates,” said Johnson. “Since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Chris Cooney and Philippe Melka—two extraordinary mentors whose dedication to precision, balance, and expression has deeply shaped my own philosophy. I’m excited to carry forward the tradition and spirit of Dana, continuing to craft wines that reflect both the estate’s remarkable terroir and its enduring commitment to excellence.”
The promotion of Maura Johnson follows closely on the heels of the announcement of a new single-vineyard wine from Montagna Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, which joins the winery’s single-vineyard bottlings of Helms, Hershey, and Lotus Vineyards.
About Dana Estates
Founded in 2005 and nestled at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in Napa Valley, Dana Estates is dedicated to crafting world-class wines through meticulous vineyard management, organic farming practices, and a philosophy of precision and restraint in the cellar. The estate encompasses three distinguished estate vineyards: Helms Vineyard in Rutherford AVA, Lotus in Crystal Springs AVA, and Hershey Vineyard in Howell Mountain AVA. Dana’s limited-production wines are celebrated for their purity, elegance, and expression of site, and the estate is widely regarded as one of Napa Valley’s modern benchmarks for excellence.
About ONDA and VASO Wines
In addition to its single-vineyard offerings, Dana Estates produces two distinctive wines that showcase the diversity of Napa Valley:
ONDA: Crafted in the Bordeaux tradition, ONDA is a blend that brings together fruit from Helms, Hershey, and Lotus Vineyards, plus a fourth vineyard called Crystal Springs, which sits below Lotus Vineyard in the Crystal Springs AVA. Characterized by its purity, elegance, and precision, ONDA offers a harmonious expression of the estate’s terroirs.
VASO: VASO represents Dana Estates’ commitment to producing wines that are both approachable and reflective of the estate’s high standards. Under the VASO label, Dana Estates releases a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Proprietary Red Blend, and a Sauvignon Blanc.
