The Craig just wouldn’t be “The Craig” without our team of hard-working, fun-loving folks. With a hands-on approach started by Bob and Lynn Craig way back when, our corporate culture is anything but “corporate.” On any given day, you might find Elton hanging with visitors in the Tasting Room, or Kiersten hosting club members up on the mountain. You’ll definitely find KC, Scott and Lisa ready and waiting to pour you a glass or two. Come see us sometime … we look forward to catching up.
Elton arrived in 2004 and spearheaded the overhaul and reinvestment of the farming, winemaking and sales structure at the Craig. Now a managing partner of the winery, he spends much of his time traveling around the country spreading the Craig word. Elton brings his passion for old world wines to the new world of Craig with a production philosophy based on site expression. An avid lover of wine, words and fun, this photo captures Elton in his natural habitat … with a glass of wine and an audience of wine enthusiasts.
Though Kiersten is in charge of the purse strings, you’ll often see her coming out from behind the scenes. Kiersten joined the Craig team in 2006 and has managed the demanding financial responsibilities of an independent Napa Valley winery (a rarity these days) with remarkable good grace and aplomb. And – to boot – she’s a lot of fun, too.
After working as a chemist for 9 years, Jason opted out of laboratory confinement to roam freely in the winery cellar. Originally from Baltimore, Jason moved to California in 2009 to attend UC Davis. After graduation, Jason continued working in California, eventually joining the Craig Crew as Assistant Winemaker in July 2015 to work side by side with winemaker Stephen Tebb. With the departure of Tebb in January of 2020, Jason was named Winemaker and continues to guide the Craig portfolio of wines. When not attending to the Craig wines, Jason can be found racking up miles running the streets and trails around the Valley, making far too much hard apple cider, and contemplating the performance of his hometown Baltimore sports franchises.
Yordanos Kidanie Gebru began her journey in wine over a decade ago when she began making homemade wine for family and friends from locally grown fruits back home in Ethiopia. What started as a hobby grew into a career and a passion. Since then, she has worked in vineyards, labs and cellars in California, Virginia, and Ontario. In 2020, she finished her Masters in Vineyard and Winery Management at Bordeaux Sciences Agro, France. Her course also took her on study visits to Spain and Italy. When not in the cellar, you can find her cooking, traveling, or playing soccer.
Mack grew up all over Napa Valley, having spent time living in Angwin, Napa and Fairfield. Wine education was easy to come by, especially with a mom who has worked for the likes of Francis Ford Coppola and Quintessa. Graduating from Dominican University of California with a Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing. Not sure of what to expect post-college, Mack used his connections where he was introduced to wine through an internship at Quintessa. Having gained valuable experience and memories during the 2024 harvest, he found passion in winemaking! Fresh off his first harvest, he decided to roll the dice and start applying to wine opportunities, landing him here at the Craig! When not tearing it up on the Crush pad, Mack enjoys watching sports, all things cars, a glass of Craig Chardonnay and exploring the nature around Napa.
Carlos is the official winner in the “Longest Craiger” category. He began working with the Affinity Vineyard in 1995! Going on his 20th year working with the Craig vineyards, Carlos is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his work. You’ll find him in the vineyards morning, noon and night – whatever it takes to grow the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the Napa Valley. What Carlos does shows up in the glass.
As Vice President of Sales for Robert Criag Winery, Chuck Spelman has overseen wholesale distribution for the US and export markets since August of 2024. Spelman brings over 25 years of experience and knowledge to the Robert Craig team and will be instrumental in utilizing his honed skills to increase sales and distribution. Prior to joining Robert Craig, Spelman’s past experiences include Senior Vice President of Sales for Hahn Family Wines and Delicato Family Vineyards, and Vice President of Sales for Robert Mondavi Winery. Spelman is passionate about the diverse and talented group of people he works with at the Winery. He is a native Californian, currently resides in Sausalito, and in his free time he enjoys cycling, golf, playing tennis and spending plenty of quality time with his wife Lisa.
Pam Novak brings over 25 years of wine industry leadership to Robert Craig Winery, where she oversees consumer sales, hospitality, and storytelling for our mountain estate. Her career includes senior roles at C. Mondavi & Family, Clos du Val, Rodney Strong, and Jackson Family Wines, along with founding her own consultancy, Portfolio Innovations. She also leads the Wine Women Marketing Forum, helping industry professionals connect, collaborate, and spark fresh ideas. A certified sommelier (First Level, Court of Master Sommeliers) and WSET Level 2 graduate, Pam blends technical know-how with creative vision. Off the clock, you’ll find her sailing, playing bocce, practicing yoga, or enjoying food and wine with friends and family. “Wine is more than what’s in the glass—it’s a bridge between people, stories, and experiences that linger long after the last sip.” – Pam Novak
Growing up in the Livermore Valley, another prolific Northern CA wine region, Destiney’s interest in wine developed while popping corks at the dinner table with casual lessons and conversation with her parents. It wasn’t until she became old enough to join her family for tasting adventures in Napa Valley that she discovered a deeper passion for fine wine and all things related. After high school, Destiney journeyed to the desert to pursue a degree in hospitality and tourism management at Arizona State University. While attending school, Destiney moonlighted at upscale restaurants and resorts, further developing her wine knowledge, converting what began as a hobby into a full-blown obsession. An epiphany struck - she could blend her love for fine wine with a hospitality and tourism degree to pursue a career in the Napa Valley. Upon graduation from ASU in June of 2024, Destiney sought out an opportunity to join our mountain wine family at the Craig where she continues to expand her love and knowledge for the world of wine while supporting and growing our DTC and Hospitality mission.
Lisa Crean joined the Craig family in February of 2024. Born and raised in Sonoma County, Lisa found her deep enthusiasm for food and her European palate for wine while studying abroad in the late 80’s. After meeting her husband Joe, a native of St. Helena, she began her wine career in 1993 as the Sales Manager for Frog’s Leap Winery. In 2016 she retired from Frogs Leap to assist her family in launching their winery, Bowman Cellars. Lisa enjoys the outdoors, painting and spending time with her husband, three children, and of course our guests
For KC, all roads led to Craig. At 17 a special bottle caught his attention and was the inspiration to explore the vineyards and wines of Europe. His career in the wine business led him to Napa where he farms Syrah and dabbles in home wine making. Having met many a quota selling plonk from large wineries, he will tell you how happy he is introducing tasting salon visitors to the extraordinary wines of Robert Craig. He may also share some recipes or offer advice on how to carve the perfect turn in powder.
Growing up in the Napa Valley, Scott spent the occasional harvest Saturday crushing grapes and cleaning tanks with the weekend warrior winemakers around the neighborhood. Yet as a kid growing up in a small-town yearning for something different, he moved to sunny San Diego upon graduation to pursuit football and Physical Therapy throughout college. Those holiday vacations back home, popping endless corks of wonderful wines around the dinner table with great food and better conversation, inevitably pulled him right back home upon graduation where he would take a deep dive into the industry. After working around the valley with small, family-owned wineries for years, Scott continued to find himself exploring the mountain wines of Napa, specifically from Howell Mountain. With no time to waste, Scott went straight to the summit, joining Robert Craig in 2021.
After nearly three decades making mountain wine in Napa Valley, Bob & Lynn Craig officially retired in 2018, continuing to join us every now again to enjoy a glass of Cabernet and to celebrate all things Craig. Sadly, Bob passed away in September of 2019. He is sorely missed by staff and club members alike. Lynn continues to split her time between their homes in Arizona and here in Napa Valley, and we look forward to seeing her often.
