' Porter Family Vineyards - The Team

The Team

Ken Bernards, Consultant Winemaker

Ken Bernards is a visionary California winemaker known for blending traditional methods with scientific innovation since his first harvest in 1986. With a chemistry degree from Oregon State University, Ken started as a research enologist at Domain Chandon, experimenting in viticulture and enology. A visit to Burgundy, France, inspired his artistic approach to winemaking.

Ken began working on the Porter Family Vineyards property almost three decades ago under its previous owners, creating acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. He has since mastered the vineyard’s unique volcanic soils, slopes, and vine behaviors. His expertise was crucial in designing the Porter Family Vineyards' in-cave winery to optimize gravity-flow processes.

Ken’s passion and scientific curiosity make him an ideal fit for Porter Family Vineyards, where he continues to explore the art and science of winemaking. We are thrilled to have him on our team.

 

Greg Schaefer, Assistant Winemaker

After ten years of experience in the wine industry, no two days are alike for Greg. Born in the San Francisco Bay area but raised in Virginia, Greg found his way back to California to make wine. After thirteen unique and challenging vintages, including two in Marlborough, New Zealand, and one in Margaret River, Australia, Greg settled into a career in Napa. As Assistant Winemaker at Porter, he enjoys the rewards of making great wine in an intimate environment. When Greg is not in the cellar he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends.

 

Carlos Martinez, Vineyard Manager

Carlos Martinez and his team have worked the property since its inception as a vineyard, and now have over 3 decades of experience on this farm. Around the time that the Porters purchased the vineyard, Carlos began his own company independent of the vineyard, and now manages several vineyards in the Coombsville area. He never stops learning all he can about growing grapes and is dedicated to the land and vines he farms.

 

Kate Mallam - Director of Business Operations

Kate was born and raised in Minneapolis Minnesota. While earning her bachelors degree in Psychology, it was a semester in Cannes, France that opened her eyes to the culture of food and wine. She packed her car and headed west July of 2006 and only looked back briefly...twice. Kate joined the Porter Family team in August of 2015 and wears many hats ranging from tours and accounting to beekeeping and dog sitting. Everyone needs a Kate!

 

Florencia Massacessi - Director of DTC Sales & Marketing

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Florencia grew up appreciating family, friends, and of course: wine. With a degree in Hospitality and Tourism and over a decade of experience working with Porter wines, Florencia’s thirst for knowledge continues to grow. She is a Certified Sommelier and holds an Advanced Certification with Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

 

Luis Martin Del Campo - Estate Host

Luis was born in Mexico but has spent most of his life in Napa. His family has been in the valley since the early 1970's and they have been involved in almost every department of the industry from vineyard management to wine making. Luis learned from his father Luis Sr. how to graft, prune, and pick grapes at the age of 15. Knowing at a young age he wanted to be in the wine industry just like the rest of his family, he started taking viticulture classes in High School and continued his education at the Napa Valley Community College. He eventually joined the Porter team in the spring of 2017 where he has been extending his knowledge of wine... "Home is where family and the wine is."

 

Laura mclean, estate host

While studying music in her hometown of San Diego, Laura made the leap to the wine industry at the age of 22. Quickly discovering her love of all things wine-related, Laura grew to oversee the wine and hospitality programs at some of San Diego’s most beloved wine destinations. After spending a year abroad in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Indonesia, Laura returned home, conquering the WSET Advanced and CSW exams. Laura made the pilgrimage to Napa in 2012, where she now lives with her husband Scott and their two cats, Smokey and Bee. Laura joined the Porter team in 2023 and is thrilled to be a part of the family.