As we reach the final days of Women’s History Month, and greet the first days of Spring, we’re taking this time to reflect on the women who play vital roles in our lives. For many of us in the valley, these are often women of the wine industry. More specifically for us, these are the women of our wineries here at the PlumpJack Collection.
We’re taking this opportunity to highlight some of our wineries’ beloved leaders, as well as learn a bit more about three wonderful people we’re honored to call our own.
From making the wine, to getting it into your hands, these are the leaders who anchor our teams and help shape every aspect of the PlumpJack Collection.
Danielle Cyrot
Winemaker, CADE Estate Winery & 13th Vineyard
Q: Can you share a little bit about how you got started in wine?
Danielle Cyrot: I went to the right school at the right time! I attended the University of California at Davis thinking I would get a degree in physical therapy. But I discovered my freshman year that you could major in Viticulture and Enology (Grape Growing and Winemaking). After taking a few classes I immediately fell in love with it and changed my major!
Q: What has been the most valuable lesson learned over your career?
D.C.: Patience. Wine is not made overnight. First, you need to grow amazing grapes. Then you need to pick them at their peak. After crushing, fermenting, pressing, barrel aging, blending, and bottling a wine you are looking at almost 2 ½ years before the wine is enjoyed!
Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
D.C.: My son Blake is my greatest accomplishment. He is 5 years old….going on 13! He makes me laugh and he makes me angry. But I feel blessed to be his Mommy!
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to those trying to find their place in this industry?
D.C.: There are many opportunities in the wine industry. If you want to be a part of it then go out there and get it! Don’t be afraid to show your passion for wine.
Danielle’s favorite wine:
CADE Estate Cabernet Sauvignon,
Howell Mountain
Lisa Sedgley
Director, Direct to Consumer Sales & Hospitality, PlumpJack Collection of Wineries
Q: Can you share a little bit about how you got started in wine?
Lisa Sedgley: My first job out of college was as an office assistant for a high-end Cabernet Sauvignon producer in Napa Valley. My daily responsibilities included filing, faxing (I am dating myself) and order entry. I was so intrigued by the wine industry, I was amazed everyday at how happy the visitors were after a tour and tasting and how often they wanted to buy wine. Pretty quickly into my position I asked to be on the Direct Sales team and give tours, within the year I was promoted to a supervisor level and didn’t look back from there, that was 23 years ago! I’ve held many positions within the Wine Business, all in Direct to Consumer Sales and with three different wine companies.
Q: What has been the most valuable lesson learned over your career?
L.S.: Pretty simple: planning and execution drives success! I write that in every notebook I have.
Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
L.S.: This is such a hard question. On a personal level, my two children are pretty amazing and I believe them to be my greatest accomplishment. Professionally, I am proud of the work I do everyday for PlumpJack, our experiences are top notch, I get to sell some the best wine in Napa Valley and I also have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented individuals.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to those trying to find their place in this industry?
L.S.: Love what you do!
Lisa’s Favorite Wine:
CADE Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon,
Howell Mountain
“Danielle Cyrot is a phenomenal winemaker, the balance she achieves in this powerhouse red is amazing. I open a bottle (or 2) whenever I am celebrating a special occasion and pair it with a Rib-Eye!” – Lisa Sedgley
Sandra Roberts
Director of Sales, PlumpJack Collection of Wineries
Q: Can you share a little bit about how you got started in wine?
Sandra Roberts: In 1992, I was hired to take care of a small sales route in South Florida for a distributor selling wines from all over the world. I really didn’t know much about wine at the time, but it was through that experience that I fell in love with this magical elixir that has the ability to capture a moment in time, reflect the place in which it was grown, the artisans who create it, and ultimately create connections, laughter, enchanted experiences and friendships! I’ve been intrigued by and learning about wine ever since.
Q: What has been the most valuable lesson learned over your career?
S.R.: Show up, do the right thing and keep your word – good things usually follow!
Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
S.R.: The network of friends who feel like family all over the country.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to those trying to find their place in this industry?
S.R.: Pay attention to what “lights you up” and do more of that… keep following that passion and it will lead you to the most authentic version of yourself, allowing you to share your unique gifts with those around you.
Sandra’s Favorite Wine:
S.R.: “Pick a favorite! Impossible! But I do have a few recommendations to share with you…”
PlumpJack Merlot
There is no better pairing than the PlumpJack Merlot and a tasty cheeseburger, trust us. Learn how to Plump Up your Burger with Sandra & PlumpJack Winemaker, Aaron Miller.
Adaptation Cabernet Sauvignon
Calling all Lifestyle Enthusiasts! Whether you’re taking it along on a camping adventure and enjoying it with your cast-iron steak over an open flame or pairing it with your Michelin-starred meal, this is a wine that relates to both the everyday and discerning wine drinker. Watch the Video.
CADE Sauvignon Blanc
With Spring in the air and Summer just around the corner, CADE Sauvignon Blanc is, hands down, the best wine to drink in sunshine. Hear all about the CADE Sauvignon Blanc from Winemaker Danielle Cyrot.