Our Team
Ridgley Evers
Founder & Owner
About
Ridge bought what we call the “Home Farm” in 1982. He grew up in suburban Cleveland where — despite the fact that everything came either frozen or wrapped in plastic — he developed a real love for great food, and the land. When he first came to California in 1967, he knew it was where he wanted to live. And when he first saw the farm in 1982 he knew he’d found home. He’s had a long career in high-tech, but always in parallel with the farm, and it’s clear where his heart and passion are.
Today, in addition to leading DaVero, he is focused on sequestering carbon at scale by converting conventionally-farmed land to regenerative practices, and teaching others how to do so themselves.
Rea Prince
Director of Operations & Winegrower
About
Rea Prince, our Winegrower and Director of Operation at DaVero Farms and Winery, is a dedicated winegrower with a profound passion for regenerative farming. After years of forging through work at Biodynamic & Organic wineries in Italy (Foradori), France (Zind Humbrecht, Yves Cuilleron) Israel (Margalit, Lewinson, 3 vines, Kerem Barak), and New Zealand (Black Estate). Rea Joined our winegrowing team as Assistant Winegrower in the summer of 2016 and made his way up to become our fearless leader of our operations.
His journey is a blend of farming for a brighter, more sustainable future and crafting exceptional products along the way. With expertise rooted in understanding the intricate relationships of the soil microbiome, Rea applies his knowledge to create remarkable wines. His unwavering commitment to regenerative practices has not only nurtured our vineyards and farms but also contributed to the larger cause of the future of agriculture.
Rea’s dedication to excellence in winegrowing ensures that each bottle embodies the spirit of our land and the legacy of those who steward it.
Colleen McGlynn
Founder & Owner
About
Colleen grew up on a family farm in rural Wisconsin, so her love for the land and farming is deeply ingrained. Her parents had ten children to feed, so cooking was a focal point in the McGlynn household. Colleen carried that passion for fresh, farm-raised food into her professional career as a chef. She is truly the touchstone of DaVero, setting a culture of caring that’s obvious in her smile — and throughout the team.
While she has stepped back from her all-day every-day role, you can sense her daily presence through the arrangements and art that pervade the winery. Ridge calls her “the single best human being I know.” He’s right.
Winemaking & Farming
Cary Wileford
Associate Winegrower
About
Cary remembers growing up and being surrounded by vineyards in Mendocino County. It’s not too surprising that in 2012 he found himself working for a friend’s family winery only a mile from where he had lived as a child. After being immersed in the whole process, and not being deterred by living next to the vineyard shop during harvest time, winemaking quickly became a passion of his.
He went on to receive his degree in Wine and Viticulture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, before setting off to work harvests across both hemispheres. Working for Evesham Wood, Torbreck Vintners, and Rhys Vineyards helped solidify a comfortability with a more hands off approach to winemaking. Time spent with Quivira Vineyards, Littorai Wines, and Troon Vineyard (all of which utilize Biodynamic practices) brought farming to the forefront. He learned how the attention to farming and the vineyard translates to what’s in the bottle.
Making wine from many great vineyards has been a real treat for Cary. He looks forward to continuing on this journey with DaVero, in hopes to create wine which is a true representation of the place and the people who make it happen.
Jared Minori
Farm Manager
About
Jared Minori is a farmer and educator from the hills of Pennsylvania with over 7 years experience in regenerative and biodynamic farming. In college he noticed the increasing severity of climate change and the degradation of our most treasured asset – our soil. This alarming realization gave birth to a lifelong passion for soil and human health, which he now exercises in his role as Farm Manager here at DaVero. He began farming in Colorado in 2016 developing the skills and experience to manage a small-scale dairy operation, vegetable gardens, row crops, education programs, and more.
Since moving to California, Jared has been applying regenerative principles to grape growing in the Serpentine soils of north Sonoma County. His goal is to cultivate the farm at DaVero into a regenerative model for the entire grape growing industry and beyond. He leaves us with a quote from E.F. Schumacher, “He who truly possesses knowledge will put it into action.”
Michael Presley
Soil Keeper
About
Michael Presley is our Soilkeeper. Michael came to DaVero in 2014 after serving for many years in a variety of gardens, farms and forests of West Sonoma County. With his educational background in Atmospheric Science, Botany and Native American Cultures, he continues to learn from native ecosystems, local horticulturalists, compost makers and earthworms! Michael brings a passion for aromatic plants, culinary herbs, food production and wood fired pizza.
As Soilkeeper for DaVero he works with the farm team on composting, plant diversity and rainwater channeling for 100% absorption into the farm’s soil. Practicing and teaching Biodynamic, Permaculture and wild ecological principles with our whole team continues to be an inspiration and honor for him.
Katherine Presley
Garden & Certifications Specialist
About
Katherine came to DaVero with her husband Michael, and was delighted to find her own niche here among the people, vines and gardens, as well as the opportunity to work with, and learn from, her husband’s wealth of experience.
An early childhood and primary school teacher at heart, where nature and the garden are her continual inspiration, she now moves easily between work and learning in the garden and the work and learning of a teacher.
In addition to her amazing work in the gardens, she finds meaning and nourishment from the study and practice of Biodynamic agriculture, and manages the important task of certification of all three of our farms, as well as seeking out grants to help us advance our practices.
Hospitality & Sales
Elizabeth Miller
Director of Sales
About
Elizabeth’s journey to DaVero Farms & Winery in has been anything but linear. Starting as a New York City public school teacher, her passion for wine blossomed while moonlighting in front-of-house positions at the renowned farm-to-table restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns. There, she encountered an extensive wine training program that ignited her desire to explore wine further, leading her to pursue sommelier studies with the American Sommelier Association.
Her path then wound through New York’s dynamic wine scene, where she managed a high-end wine and spirits boutique, taught certification classes, hosted webinars, and blogged for the Society of Wine Educators. Yet, after years of engaging with countless bottles, Elizabeth longed to be closer to the source—in the vineyards themselves. This passion drew her to California wine country in 2017.
Once in California, Elizabeth worked at two prestigious family-owned wineries: Burgess Cellars on the iconic Howell Mountain, known for its bold, mountain-grown wines, and Dutton Estate Winery in the Russian River Valley, celebrated for its cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Now, since joining DaVero in February of 2024, she is captivated by the winery’s unique grape varieties, its commitment to biodynamic farming, and its ethos of farming as a way of life. She revels in the sights and sounds of viticulture and winemaking, working alongside passionate colleagues who share her dedication to the craft.
Dee Allbritton
Membership Manager
About
As a native of Sonoma County, I’ve seen the wine country grow from the bottom up. Healdsburg used to be a sleepy town with only a handful of store fronts and a very few vineyards and all owned by Italian families passed down from generation to generation. It’s a place you can’t help but fall in love with its beautiful breath-taking views and incredible wines.
After a career in law, my life changed 15 years ago when I volunteered to help at a winery event. I soon accepted a full-time job in the wine industry where I was certain I belonged. After working many roles and learning many aspects of the industry, I found my passion: memberships and the relationships I gain along the. If I know you’re smiling, you can bet I am too!
Some call it fate, I call it serendipity when I was offered the Membership Manager position at DaVero. I finally found my home away from home: it’s where I belong. The amount of passion everyone puts into DaVero makes it a magical place. We are not only a team — we’re also family.
Dereck Fenck
Hospitality Operations Coordinator
About
Growing up in wine country, everyone expects you to love wine, but in my earlier life wine was something I never thought of. To me it was just a drink that people spoke weirdly about.
It wasn’t till later in life when I really started to experience wine not just as another alcoholic beverage, but something that creates community. Seeing the joy that it brings to others and the community it creates keeps me coming back.
Never did I expect this to be a passion of mine, but almost 3 years later I still get a smile on my face when I see someone take a sip of wine and react to it in such a curiously beautiful way.
Kim Isley-Prince
National Sales & Special Programming
About
Kim’s journey with DaVero began as a dedicated fan and wine club member, drawn to the winery’s commitment to biodynamic and regenerative practices. Raised in wine country within a grape-growing and winemaking family, Kimberly has a deep-rooted passion for the industry. In her role, she leverages her extensive knowledge to build meaningful relationships and enhance the winery’s presence across the nation.
Outside of work, Kimberly’s love for nature, traveling, and exploring culinary, agricultural, and wine scenes takes her adventuring both domestically and abroad. Her background and interests perfectly align with DaVero’s mission.
Shannon Estill
Farm Ambassador
About
Hospitality has been the heart of Shannon’s work life and she feels so lucky to do what she loves! Shannon studied social welfare at a small college in Maine but ended up thriving in the restaurant and service industry. Back in California she followed another lifetime enthusiasm and received an AA degree in Horticulture.
In 2010, a friend shared with Shannon that DaVero was diving deep into their wine program on a property near their home farm and the timing was perfect.
After meeting Ridge and Colleen in early 2011, and seeing their devotion and vision for DaVero, she seized the honor to be part of this amazing journey. She’s worn many DaVero hats over the years; wine club manager, chicken whisperer, grape stomper… but sharing the magic of DaVero with all our visitors, long time Farm Members or new guests, is at her core.
When not speaking “DaVero”, she’s likely with Jesse, (self-named winery canine concierge), on the trails, at the beach or hanging with her extensive family and friends.
Kat Soto
Farm Ambassador
About
Hailing from the picturesque orange groves of Southern California, Kat has a deep-rooted connection to the land.
Kat has worn many hats during her 19-year tenure, contributing to our growth and success. Having come from a family of educators who instilled in her a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, Kat has found her true calling as an educator in her own right. She thrives on imparting the significance of bio-dynamic and regenerative farming practices to our guests. Her dedication to environmental stewardship is infectious, and her ability to convey complex concepts with warmth and clarity has made her an invaluable asset to our team.
When Ridgely introduces Kat as someone who “came with the building,” it’s more than a simple introduction – it’s a testament to Kat’s enduring presence, her wealth of experience, and her unwavering commitment to our mission.
Stephanie Silver
Farm Ambassador
About
Stephanie joined DaVero Farms and Winery in the fall of 2016, following an invitation to the unforgettable “Last Sunset Supper” from a long-time friend. On that enchanting evening, as she wandered through the gardens and vineyard, Stephanie recognized that DaVero was truly a special place. Captivated by the experience, she was soon welcomed into DaVero’s hospitality team by Ridgely.
With a BA in American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, Stephanie brings over 30 years of diverse experience to her role. Her professional journey has taken her from HarperCollins Publishers in New York to the March of Dimes in California. Stephanie’s passions for art and science converge in her current role, where she combines her extensive background with a burgeoning expertise in both wine and regenerative farming.
Known for her genuine ability to make guests feel at home, Stephanie finds immense joy in sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others. Her commitment to both the art of winemaking and the principles of sustainable agriculture enriches the DaVero experience, making each visit a memorable one.
Ken Fuhr
Farmers Market Ambassador
About
The idea for opening up a booth at the farmers market was born out of the pandemic. While wineries were all forced to temporarily close due to covid 19, Ken suggested the idea that “if you can’t bring people into the winery, maybe you can bring the winery to the people?” And so, for over 4 years now, you will find Ken at the Luther Burbank Center parking area every Saturday, or one of the many other SCCFMG farmers markets, tasting and selling DaVero wines, olive oils, vinegars and pantry items with joy and gratification!
Jafet Garcia
Farm & Hospitality Support
About
I am 33 years old. I am from the state of Daxaca. I am married. I have three children, and they are my life. I consider myself a kind person, brave, happy, loving and above all loyal.
My hobbies are dancing, singing, and painting. I love basketball; it is my favorite sport. And I like to be sociable.
Administration
Tracy Welch
Director of Finance & HR
About
Tracey Welch began her career with DaVero right after the tasting room opened in 2011. At the time, she was a recent California transplant from the East Coast who had no idea where wine or olive oil came from, what biodynamic farming was and had hardly ever spent any time on a farm. Fast forward to present day and she can’t imagine a more interesting and rewarding industry to be in. She loves the cycles of farming and how every year we get a new start beginning with bud break for the vines and pollination of the olives trees and culminating with harvest in the Fall.
Every day, she’s inspired by DaVero’s and our people’s passion to protect our land and to share the amazing output of our farm with our customers. Her role as head of Finance and Human Resources combines all the skills she’s gathered after years of being a CPA/Systems Consultant at Price Waterhouse Coopers and running a Marketing Consulting business with her husband. She has been married to her husband, Carter, a business consultant, for over 30 years and is the very proud mother of 3 young men and a daughter-in-law who all have all found careers in serving others.
Rick Stoops
Shipping Manager
About
Born and raised in the “Valley of Hearts Delight”, before it became “Silicon Valley”. I retired to Sonoma County to get away from the frenzy, traffic, and overcrowding that the once beautiful agricultural Santa Clara Valley had become.
After years of coming to Sonoma County for long weekends of great food & wine (and now beer), my wife and I decided this was a great place to retire…. “Going up the Country.”
Retirement didn’t last long, because I could only play so much golf, and got restless to keep active. So, I chose to work in an industry I love, and was lucky enough to end up with a great ‘family’ at DaVero. When not taking care of my property, I still find time to travel, golf, hike, and coach for Special Olympics (golf & bowling).