Born from Tradition
About Piazza Family Wine
At Piazza Family Wines, family and farming are at the heart of everything we do.
Owners Ron and Nancy Piazza have long believed in the value of stewardship—of land, tradition, and community.
In the early 1980s, Ron and Nancy planted Mt. Carmel Vineyard by hand, establishing what would become the second-oldest vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. Today, Mt. Carmel is celebrated as one of the region’s most iconic sites, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that have helped define the Sta. Rita Hills as a source of world-class wines.
Together with Bella Vista Vineyard, our home base in Ballard Canyon, these two estates form the foundation of our winemaking program. Under the guidance of winemaker Gretchen Voelcker and General Manager Tymari LoRe, we craft wines that are both elegant and approachable, reflecting the character of the land and meant to be shared around the table.
Heritage
In the early 1980s, Ron and Nancy Piazza set out to plant a vineyard unlike any other. Guided by a friend’s map and an unexpected partnership with Carmelite nuns, they hand-planted Mt. Carmel Vineyard—vine by vine, post by post—on a rugged Sta. Rita Hills ridgeline.
For Ron, a second-generation Italian from Queens, it was more than farming. Inspired by his grandfather Dominic and Sunday family dinners of food, stories, and wine, Mt. Carmel became his way back to heritage. Today, the vineyard stands as one of the oldest and most celebrated in the Sta. Rita Hills, producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that carry forward the Piazza family’s vision.
OUR TEAM
Gretchen Voelcker
Winemaker
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As the founding winemaker for Piazza Family Wines, Gretchen Voelcker has been with the winery since its inception—learning the nuances of both estate vineyards and shaping wines that capture their unique character year after year.
Her approach is rooted in Old World tradition, guided by patience, restraint, and respect for the vineyard, while embracing New World energy and innovation. The result is a balance of heritage and modernity: wines that express the soul of the land with clarity and elegance.
At Piazza, Gretchen oversees every detail from vine to bottle. She spends countless hours in the vineyard, studying the rhythms of Bella Vista in Ballard Canyon and Mt. Carmel in the Sta. Rita Hills, allowing the fruit to guide her hand. Through minimal-intervention winemaking and thoughtful craftsmanship, she translates each site into wines of purity, texture, and depth.
Driven by curiosity and grounded in precision, Gretchen continues to evolve the Piazza estate program—honoring tradition while always reaching for what’s next.
Tymari LoRe
General Manager
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Tymari LoRe joined Piazza Family Wines in 2021, just after the brand’s launch, as one of its first collaborators and guiding voices. After spending 11 years in winemaking, Tymari transitioned into management, first serving as General Manager at Folded Hills Winery for four and a half years before founding their own consulting company. Piazza Family Wines became their first client—and soon, a project that grew into a true partnership.
With a comprehensive background that spans winemaking, operations, and business development, Tymari brings both creative and strategic focus to the Piazza estate program. They oversee everything from vineyard planning and hospitality to brand vision and long-term growth, ensuring that every detail reflects Piazza’s dedication to excellence, authenticity, and approachability.
Working closely with winemaker Gretchen Voelcker, Tymari continues to shape the evolving identity of Piazza Family Wines—honoring its roots while guiding it toward a future defined by thoughtful farming, minimal intervention, and genuine connection.
Patty Emerson-Heery
Assistant Winemaker
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Patty joined Piazza Family Wines in April 2024, bringing a wealth of international experience and a deep technical foundation. After earning her Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis as part of a second career, she went on to craft wines across three countries—New Zealand, Canada’s Okanagan Valley, and the United States, working in Healdsburg, Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa prior to joining our team in Santa Barbara County. Her global perspective and hands-on expertise have brought an added layer of precision and curiosity to our cellar. Thoughtful, detail-driven, and passionate about translating vineyard character into the glass, Patty has become an integral part of the Piazza winemaking team and our continued pursuit of excellence.
Annalisa Bartlow
Tasting Room Manager
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A sixth-generation Santa Marian, Annalisa Bartlow has been part of the Central Coast wine community since 2011. Educated in wine at Central Washington University, she combines deep regional roots with a genuine passion for hospitality. Annalisa thrives on connecting with guests—sharing the stories behind the wines, the vineyards, and the people who make them. Her attention to detail and natural warmth create a welcoming, polished experience that reflects the heart of Piazza Family Wines. She’s thrilled to welcome guests to our Los Olivos tasting room and share the wines that define our estate.
