Our People

WINEMAKERS

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  Karen Culler

  Winemaker

  Karen Culler first got her winemaking experience destemming grapes by hand for her father and grandfather's homemade wine in Ohio. After graduating from Ohio State University, Karen moved to Seattle where she went to work for Columbia Winery. Inspired to learn more, Karen left Columbia to get her Master's Degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis.

  After graduating in 1984, a six month internship in the Research Department at Robert Mondavi Winery turned into a career. Two years later, when Mondavi purchased Vichon Winery, Karen was promoted first to Assistant Winemaker at Vichon and then to Winemaker in 1989.

  In 1996, Vichon Napa Valley disbanded, and Karen decided to start her own label. The first vintage of Culler Wines was released in 1997.

  Karen is also the winemaker at Ladera Vineyards and is known for being one of Napa's top Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah winemakers. Karen has always been intrigued by the elegance and finesse of the Pinot Noir varietal and after years of working with bold mountain fruit, she jumped at the opportunity to lead the winemaking decisions for Pillow Rd

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  Laura Stotesbery

  Assistant Winemaker

  Laura was born in Minnesota and came to California with her parents from Montana. She has degrees in Sound Engineering and Art History and worked in Seattle before returning to California.
  
  But she is not new to wine and winemaking as she has worked crush at Pillow Rd for several years as well as one harvest season in Burgundy, France.
  
  Besides growing and processing lavendar, Laura loves to bake and sew. She is also conversant in numerous languages so pick one if you happen to see her running around in wine stained clothing.

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  Gabriel Reyes

  Vineyard Manager

  Gabriel Reyes has been the Vineyard Manager for what is now Ladera's Howell Mountain property since 1986 and is responsible for all vineyard operations at both Ladera and Pillow Rd. Previously, he worked as vineyard foreman at Cuvaison Winery. Gabriel and his family reside on the Ladera Vineyards' property in Angwin.