 Sam & Robin Sebastiani
Sam Sebastiani has been known for his contributions to premium California wine production for many decades. He joined Sebastiani Vineyards in 1967, after earning an undergraduate degree and an MBA from Santa Clara University, as well as completing a two-year service in the Army. After his father, August, passed away in 1980, Sam took over management of the winery. In 1985, Sam utilized his expertise to establish Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace, paying homage to his family’s Italian roots. Sebastiani focused on Italian grape varieties and introduced direct-to-consumer sales and a wine club, which were uncommon at the time.
In collaboration with his former Viansa Enologist, Derek Irwin, Sam continues his work with La Chertosa wines, currently producing less than 1,200 cases annually. The wines are named after the monastery in Farneta, Italy, where his grandfather, Samuele, learned winemaking.
With over 40 years in the Hospitality and Wine industries, Robin Sebastiani contributes to her husband’s enterprises by focusing on label design, marketing, wine blending, and hospitality. She spends much of her time developing food pairings for Sam’s wines. Robin values the experiences she shares with Sam within their combined family life.
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 Jane Schneider
Jane is a Northern California resident who has spent her entire life in Sonoma County. She began her career in accounting and administration as the Controller of Dowling Magnet Company. Jane expanded her expertise to include hospitality and Human Resources when she was appointed Director of Human Resources for Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace in 2001.
She subsequently joined Hutchinson Consulting as a hospitality recruiter while also overseeing the company’s database and websites. Jane became part of La Chertosa Wines several years ago, where she takes pride in being a versatile Business Manager. In her current role, she manages accounting, administration, compliance, inventory, production, purchasing, marketing, and sales.
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 Derek Irwin
Derek graduated from the University of California at Davis. He has worked with Cosentino Winery and Bouchaine Vineyards. In 1998, he became Chief Winemaker and Vineyards Manager at Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace.
Now, Derek is the principal and managing partner of Madura Consulting, providing vinicultural and enology services in Sonoma, Amador County, and the Sierra Foothills. He brings extensive expertise to all aspects of La Chertosa’s winemaking process.
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