OUR TEAM IS THE BEST!
We're incredibly lucky to work with some of the most talented and well-respected players in the wine industry. We thank the entire Cline team for their hard work and dedication over the last 40+ years!
Fred & Nancy Cline
Founders
Fred and Nancy Cline started Cline Family Cellars in 1982 in Oakley, California, making their first vintages from original plantings of Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Carignane, some of which dated back to the 1880s. In 1989, to expand their small business, they purchased a beautiful property in the Los Carneros region of Sonoma County. The location they selected enticed them with a rich, historical past and beautiful rolling hills that had never been planted to grapevines. There was ample space for our growing family, which today includes seven talented, independent and creative children.
Hilary, Megan, & Henry Cline
Second Generation Vintners
Hilary, Megan, and Henry Cline each bring unique expertise to their family’s wine business. Hilary joined in 2015 and, after gaining experience in viticulture in Sonoma County, New Zealand, and Napa, returned in 2019 to oversee business management and development. She and Megan, a certified sommelier with experience in Santa Barbara and marketing roles with the San Francisco Giants, co-founded Gust in 2017, a small-production brand focused on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from their family’s vineyards in the Petaluma Gap. Henry leads the viticulture team, managing vineyard redevelopment and overseeing the family’s newly-leased Chardonnay vineyard in the same region.
JOHN GRANT
CEO
John Grant joined the Cline team in July 2020 bringing a wonderful new energy and focused leadership. Grant is a proven leader who brings 30+ years of domestic and international experience leading and managing multi-channel businesses, brands, and sales and marketing teams within the beverage industry. John has an exceptional track record of inspiring teams, developing systems, and sees innovation as a key driver to success. His global experience has spanned other notable industry players such as Treasury Wine Estates, Constellation Wines Australia, and Kendall Jackson.
TOM GENDALL
DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING & VITICULTURE
Tom Gendall was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. He worked for wineries there and in Germany before moving to California in 2011, and joining the Cline extended family in 2016. Tom believes that "if you look after the vines, the vines will look after you and produce great fruit. They will tell you what they need if you know where to look and what to look for. It's our job to interpret that information and make sure the wines achieve their very best potential."
KATIE HOGGINS
WINEMAKER
Katie has a phenomenal palate, and global winemaking experience spanning small and large wineries. Her enthusiasm to produce exciting wines, combined with her direct and efficient style, aligns well with the next generation of winemaking at Cline Family Cellars.
ENRIQUE HURTADO
VINEYARD MANAGER
Before Enrique Hurtado began working at Cline Family Cellars back in 2000, he worked with the vineyard management company that planted all of the Cline Vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, needless to say, he knows the Cline vineyards intimately. Enrique has worked tirelessly to create a viticulture program that promotes sustainability above all else, while still producing amazing quality, and it has been his expertise that has helped make Cline wine internationally recognized.
KYLE
TASTING ROOM MANAGER
Kyle is a certified wine professional with over 16 years in the business. He has spent his years working in vineyards and wine cellars but is most at home in the Tasting Room. When not at work Kyle can be found manning a BBQ, playing with his children, or daydreaming about sailing the ocean.
LAURA & Katy
EVENTS TEAM
Laura moved from the Midwest in 2012 to join the Cline team and hasn’t looked back since. As Director of Events, her strategic, organizational and unassuming approach brings a multitude of gatherings and celebrations to life. Laura loves to collaborate with clients and vendor partners to create unforgettable experiences and she continues to prove herself with her endless dedication, integrity and exceptional hospitality. Katy joined our Events team in April 2023 after having worked as a wedding coordinator at both Cline and Jacuzzi since 2018. She has spent over 10 years in the wedding industry and has a passion for making vendor and client connections in the area.
JESSE
WINE CLUB MANAGER
Jesse has been the Cline wine club manager for 5 years. He is known for his fun energy and personable approach, ensuring every interaction—whether via email, phone, or in person—is warm and memorable. His passion for creating meaningful experiences is a key element in what makes our wine club so great!