Launny and Weezie Steffens
Founders

Following their appreciation and enjoyment of fine wine, Launny and Weezie Steffens journeyed to the Napa Valley in search of a great estate they could call their own. After a persistent and thorough search throughout the Napa Valley, in 1999 they purchased the forty-acre property atop Spring Mountain that is now Vineyard 7 & 8.

Residing in New Jersey, Launny runs Spring Mountain Capital, a private investment advisory firm based in New York City, while Weezie continues to pursue her passion and studies in the fine arts and painting.

Wesley Steffens
Estate Director / Associate Winemaker

Wesley’s journey in the Napa Valley began in 2001 after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America. Spending nearly two years working for Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, Wesley focused on expanding upon his passion for food and wine. In 2002 Wes began as a harvest intern at Harlan Estate Winery where he gained a deep appreciation and understanding of the winemaking process. After four years as a member of the winemaking team at Harlan Estate and BOND Estates wineries, Wes’ journey then led him up Spring Mountain to Vineyard 7 & 8 where he took the reins of his family’s dream.

Surrounded by a word-class team, including Winemaker Martha McClellan, Wes’ role as the winery’s Estate Director and Associate Winemaker allows him to focus on the constant quest for not only the utmost in wine quality but also growing the awareness of the brand and providing a premiere guest experience.

Martha McClellan
Winemaker

After receiving her degree in Oenology and Viticulture from the Geisenheim University in Germany, Martha spent 10 years honing her craft in Germany, Australia, and the U.S. before joining Merryvale Vineyards in Napa Valley in 1995. While at Merryvale, Martha began working with Harlan Estate, which recruited her in 1997. Martha’s meticulous approach to crafting the very best wines paired with a commitment to never compromise has served her and her clients well. For over a decade Martha has and continues to serve as Winemaker for many notable wine brands including Checkerboard Vineyards, Sloan Estate, Hamel Family Wines, and her own label LEVY & McCLELLAN. Martha joined Vineyard 7 & 8 as Winemaker in 2014, bringing years of passion and expertise to the wines crafted here.

James Imbach
Director of Sales

Born and raised in the Napa Valley, James earned degrees in politics and history from New York University before returning to Napa in 2003. His career started with the forming of a company focused on procuring and selling small lots of premium wines within an international network of collectors. James’ love for connecting wine lovers with fine wines continued while working with Cultivate, an online sales and consultancy services to the wine industry. While there, James worked with some of the most sought-after winery brands in the country—one of which was Vineyard 7 & 8. In 2013 James joined Vineyard 7 & 8 as Director of Sales to increase the awareness of the wines. James cultivates and maintains not only the relationships with the Vineyard 7 & 8 distributors but also oversees the creation of consumer offerings and the fulfillment of Vineyard 7 & 8 wines.

Pete Richmond
Silverado Farming Company
Vineyard Manager

Since the spring of 2006, Pete and Silverado Farming Company have been an integral part of Vineyard 7 & 8 tasked with the management of the vineyards and assisting with the continued development of new and existing vineyards. With a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business from Fresno State University, Pete worked at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates, managing all of their vineyards in Napa, southern Sonoma, and Lake counties before founding Silverado Farming Company.

With his team, Pete has managed several notable vineyards including Vineyard 29, The Napa Valley Reserve, Crocker & Star, Dana Estates, and of course Vineyard 7 & 8. Pete’s passion for the land is deep, as shown with his civic contributions serving on the boards of Napa Valley Housing and the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association.

Alissa Menchaca
Director of Events

Alissa began her career working for HBO in New York City as a banquet manager. After studying hospitality and working in the restaurant industry, she moved to the Napa Valley in 2000 and acquired a position at Thomas Keller's Michelin-rated restaurant, Bouchon, in Yountville, CA. During her seven years as Assistant General Manager, Alissa furthered her deep appreciation and love for the hospitality industry. In June 2007, Vineyard 7 & 8 welcomed Alissa as her commitment to making an experience memorable and personable is a true passion. Poised, patient and dedicated, Alissa oversees the meticulous design, planning and execution of private events at the winery.

Meg Laughridge
Director of Hospitality

Born on Spring Mountain, and raised here in the valley, Meg’s career in the world of hospitality started early in her life. From the front desk and reservations at Villagio Inn and Spa in her teen years, to an opportunity to join the team at Harlan Estate and BOND in Oakville, CA in 2012. Meg spent nearly three years at the famed Oakville estate working as a key member of their administration and customer service team where she was taught the importance of high-touch customer service.

Meg joined the Vineyard 7 & 8 family in 2015 as the Hospitality and Guest Service Manager, where she assisted in creating a truly unique and personable guest experience. Recently taking the reigns as Director of Hospitality, she will continue to build upon her many experiences, and further elevate the care and attention that creates life-long friendships and business partnerships.

Lexie Lomax
Hospitality & Guest Services

A native of St. Helena, California, and long time family friends with neighbors here on Spring Mountain; Lexie’s career in the world of hospitality began at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Upon moving back to the Napa Valley, Lexie worked as Guest Services Supervisor and Event Coordinator at Health Spa Napa Valley. Most recently, she spent a little over two years at Rion Designs, one of the leading high-touch event design and production companies in the Napa Valley. Working as their Design Liaison, Lexie was able to learn the art and refinement needed in executing high touch, detail oriented guest experiences.

Joining our team, Lexie will work alongside our Hospitality Director focusing on our goal to continue elevating the way we welcome guests to the winery through private, curated, unique experiences. Lexie’s past experiences along side Meg’s will allow us the ability to bring the best and more personal care to our loyal members while here at the winery, as well as well before and after their visits to the Napa Valley.

Jose and Pedro Garcia
Cellar Team

The backbone of any successful winery starts with the quality and dedication of the cellar crew. Brothers Jose and Pedro Garcia started at Vineyard 7 & 8 back in 2006 as members of the construction team, helping put the finishing touches on the winery facility. Just prior to the inaugural 2007 harvest, they assumed roles overseeing cellar operations. Jose and Pedro are an integral part of the team and their tireless efforts make the success of the winery possible.