Longtime Estate Director Promoted to Lead Luxury Alexander Valley Estate as it Enters a New Era Following Opening of its New Winery
April 6, 2027 (Geyserville, CA) — Skipstone, the Alexander Valley estate celebrated for its deep commitment to sustainability, organically farmed vineyard, and site-driven Bordeaux-style wines, today announced the promotion of Patricia Smith to General Manager. A longtime leader on the estate, Smith assumes the role at a defining moment for the winery, following the opening of Skipstone’s new estate winery and the culmination of more than two decades of sustainability-driven farming and winemaking on the property. Smith succeeds Brian Ball, who served as General Manager during a pivotal chapter in the winery’s development.
Smith has been a central figure in Skipstone’s operations since joining the estate in 2018 as Estate Director, where she oversaw hospitality, direct-to-consumer engagement, and the estate’s luxury guest experiences. As General Manager, Smith will oversee all day-to-day operations, working closely with proprietor Fahri Diner, Winemaker Laura Jones, and the vineyard team to guide the estate’s long-term strategy and continued evolution. Her responsibilities span hospitality, direct-to-consumer growth, estate operations, and financial performance, ensuring every aspect of the business—from vineyard stewardship and small-lot winemaking to private client experiences—reflects Skipstone’s commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and precision.
Smith will also help guide Skipstone’s next phase following the opening of its estate winery, further developing hospitality programming, strengthening relationships with collectors and trade partners, and expanding the estate’s reputation for highly personalized wine experiences rooted in the character of Alexander Valley.
“When we began a nationwide search for Skipstone’s next General Manager, we were looking for someone who could carry forward our commitment to thoughtful farming, exceptional wines, and deeply personal hospitality,” said Fahri Diner, Founder and Proprietor of Skipstone. “Through that process, it became clear that the person who best embodied those values was already part of our team. As we enter this exciting new chapter with our estate winery now complete, I can think of no one better suited to lead Skipstone.”
Smith’s promotion comes at a defining moment for Skipstone. In March 2026, the winery celebrated the opening of its long-awaited estate winery—a project that fulfills Diner’s vision of a fully integrated property where organic farming, winemaking, and hospitality converge in one place. The winery reflects more than 25 years of environmental stewardship on the estate, which has been CCOF-certified organic since 2008 and is recognized as the longest-tenured certified organic vineyard in Alexander Valley.
As Estate Director, Smith played a key role in developing the high-touch hospitality and private-client programs that have become hallmarks of the Skipstone experience. She also oversaw the redesign and launch of the five-bedroom luxury Residence at Skipstone in 2023, which has quickly become one of Sonoma’s most sought-after luxury wine country accommodations.
Prior to joining Skipstone, Smith worked with luxury travel company Inspirato, managing high-end estate and destination experiences across Northern California and developing expertise in hospitality operations and personalized service for ultra-high-net-worth clientele.
“Patricia has been a trusted leader on the estate for many years and has earned the respect of our entire team,” said Brian Ball, former General Manager of Skipstone. “Her deep understanding of Skipstone’s culture, combined with her operational expertise and commitment to excellence, makes her the ideal person to guide the estate as it enters this exciting next phase.”
Raised in Sonoma County and deeply connected to the region’s agricultural landscape, Smith brings a hands-on leadership style rooted in stewardship of both land and community.
“It has been an honor to help shape the guest experience at Skipstone over the past several years,” said Smith. “This estate represents something rare in today’s wine world—a place where long-term care for the land, thoughtful hospitality, and extraordinary wines all come together. I’m deeply grateful to Fahri and the team for the opportunity to lead Skipstone into its next chapter.”
The Residence at Skipstone
Overlooking Alexander Valley and crafted sustainably from stone and reclaimed wood from the estate, the 8,300-square-foot (771-square-meter) Residence at Skipstone—once the home of Skipstone’s owners—invites guests to live the vintner’s life. Available by nightly, weekly, and monthly rental, The Residence comes with private chef access, farm-fresh provisions from the estate’s orchards and gardens, and a cellar filled with rare, aged Bordeaux and top California bottles, along with Skipstone wines. With five beautifully appointed rooms, The Residence offers full concierge service, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, and a pool overlooking the Mayacamas. It’s one of wine country’s most exclusive stays.
ABOUT SKIPSTONE
Founded by Fahri Diner in 2001, Skipstone produces limited-edition Bordeaux-style wines and blends from its certified-organic estate in Alexander Valley, located within the pending Pocket Peak appellation. The 200-acre (81-hectare) estate, just north of Healdsburg, includes a 27-acre (11-hectare) vineyard, a state-of-the-art winery, olive orchards, and the private Residence at Skipstone, which is available for overnight stays. The winery offers daily tastings by appointment only. For more information about Skipstone, please visit www.skipstonewines.com or call 707.433.9124.
