The Crew
These are the people at the heart of our operations. Some of them you might see on your visit – and if you do, say hello – others work behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.
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+Steven Smith – “Smitty”, WINE MAKER
Smitty’s contributions to Rancho Sisquoc wine making span more than 15 years and his skills grow endlessly, earning multiple wine awards and accolades. Smitty is an unwavering individual with local roots, a strong work ethic, handy mechanical skills, and a genuine appreciation for the natural environment, all of which make him an integral part of Rancho Sisquoc.
Ron Davis, CATTLE MANAGER & JACK OF ALL TRADES
A descendant of Sisquoc River homesteaders, Ron is as integrated into the fabric of Rancho Sisquoc as he is its landscape. Over the past 40 years, Ron has been a part of everything at Rancho Sisquoc from bottle feeding calves to farming garbanzo beans to bottling and hand labeling wine. He manages the cattle, roads, water, grasses and grazing—just to name a few things that fall under his purview. Most of all, Ron loves his horses. “Nothing better than riding a good horse in scenic country.”
Craig Wood, WINE CLUB CONCIERGE
Originally from Kansas, Rancho Sisquoc was the first winery Craig visited in California. Local food ethos is his thing. He contributes to several publications on Central Coast food and culture, as well as a forthcoming travel blog. Craig has great appreciation for the winemaking process from start to finish and loves the opportunity to engage with wine club members. Come say hi to Craig in the Tasting Room!
Steve McCrank, ENOLOGIST
The intersection of science, art, and craft is Steve’s passion which led him to a twenty-five-year career in photography. Fortunately for us, a photo shoot at a winery sparked an interest in the wine industry. Central coast wine explorations followed and evolved into joining Rancho Sisquoc first in the tasting room, harvest, and now in the cellar with formal enology training. Steve continues to explore the Central Coast, often on bike, searching out the best local fare, breweries and wineries.
Juan Vargas, VINEYARD FOREMAN
For more than 20 years, Juan has continually amassed knowledge and honed his skills in the vineyards at Rancho Sisquoc. Juan’s dedication and diligence are notable. He strives for perfection in the vineyards. His discipline and effort pay off in growing world class wine grapes.
Steve Fennell, GENERAL MANAGER
Wine –in all aspects – is Steve’s passion and specialty. His 30 years of broad wine industry experience is fundamental to his leadership role. Steve’s expertise in grape growing and wine making and beyond (including geology and plant breeding) make him the hub of our diverse ranch operations. This is a task he executes with unflappable calm and grace.
Judy Flood Otter & Elizabeth Flood Stevenson,
Rancho Sisquoc and the love their parents had for the Ranch had a profound effect on the Flood sisters. They manage the Ranch with a yin and yang style and enjoy spending time exploring its far corners, and teaching grandchildren to ride horses and drive the 1960s Land Rovers.