Winemaker

Erich Bradley

Erich Bradley, a winemaker based in Sonoma, California, has a low-intervention winemaking philosophy with a focus on producing terroir-driven wines from organic and regeneratively-farmed, high elevation vineyard sites. Erich believes in applying regenerative farming practices that prioritize the health of the vineyard ecosystem, including the use of cover crops, compost, and natural pest control methods. He also emphasizes the importance of working with the unique terroir of each vineyard, allowing the characteristics of the soil, climate, and grape varieties to shine through in the final wine.

Head Viticulturist

Martín Ramírez

As the owner of the vineyard management company The Vineyards of Ojai, Martín has farmed most of the Ojai vineyards. He strives to create a balanced ecosystem that produces the grapes for tomorrow’s wine. In our vineyards Martin employs biodynamic farming principles and organic viticultural practices. In addition, various holistic solutions are utilized in our vineyard, such as fostering the local raptor population, planting native cover crops for natural erosion barriers, and encouraging the growth of pollinating bee communities to promote biodiversity.

Viticultural consultant

Phil Coturri

If you ask him, Phil Coturri might quote a Levon Helm song and describe himself as a “poor old dirt farmer.” However, after 35 years pioneering organic and biodynamic winegrowing in California, descriptions range from “famed organic viticulturist” by the Hollywood Reporter to “the ubiquitous wizard of sustainable winemaking” by Sonoma Magazine. He was born with the cultural palate of Italian immigrants, weaned on the music and ethos of San Francisco in the 1960’s and planted deep into the rocky hillsides of Sonoma Valley. We are honored to be working with and learning from such an accomplished and humble man.

Master Pruner

Jacopo Miolo

Simonit & Sirch is based in Italy and their team of consults travels around the world to the top vineyard to help train teams in sap flow and pruning techniques that extend the longevity of the vines. They are known as “the pruning guys”. For 15 years they have been developing and perfecting site-specific pruning methods and working with prestigious vineyards from all over the world. They then create custom solutions of mentoring with the aim of enhancing the know-how in the vineyard. Jacopo Miolo demonstrates, teaches and prepares our team for each stage in the vine’s canopy management, crafting vines to survive for generations to come.

Vineyard Manager

Paul Hofmeister

Paul Hofmeister was born into the Ojai Agricultural community. His family owned a 200+ acre farm and managed, in total, over 700 acres, ranging from hay and cattle to apricots and almonds. Paul spent some years in downtown Ojai but found his home was truly up in the ‘highlands’. Paul is master road builder, intimately familiar with the land, terrain, and the denizens on Sulphur Mountain. Whether it's grading work, land assessments, fire prevention, Paul has spent the better part of his life working and caring for the land, flora, and ecosystems that exist in this beautifully rugged set of mountains.

Project Manager

David Brodowsky

David was bitten by the wine bug while attending Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. After graduation, David assumed management roles at Restaurant Associates in New York City, The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, & The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. The next chapter of his life found David on the distribution side of wine and spirits, working for Southern Wine & Spirits, Epic Wines & Spirits and Wine Warehouse. A consummate hospitality and wine professional, David has spent over 25 years building successful service and sales teams. David is the founder of From The Ground Up Solutions, a wine and spirits consulting and distribution firm. ❧