The Ladera Family
Pat & Anne Stotesbery
Proprietors & Vintners
As hands-on vintners, Pat and Anne Stotesbery have worked shoulder to shoulder for more than two decades building Ladera into one of Napa Valley’s most highly regarded wineries, with a reputation for making compelling mountain Cabernet Sauvignons and a sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc. While many mountain wineries have embraced the potential of mountain grapes to create extremely big and powerful wines, the Stotesberys have long championed a more balanced and layered expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, where bright fresh aromas and pure varietal flavors are supported by silky tannins and a lovely structure. “We have always made wines that are authentic to what we value and appreciate—wines that we are proud to share over a meal with fellow vintners and other friends,” says Anne.
The seeds for Ladera were planted in the early 1970s, when Pat and Anne fell in love while attending university in Northern California. Among their many shared interests, they discovered a passion for wine, and were soon taking wine classes together, and traveling to wine country for tastings. Though the next two decades took them to Minnesota and Montana, where they ran a 3,200-acre ranch with 750 head of cattle, their interest in wine only grew. As it did, they found that they had a special interest in elegant Bordeaux-varietal wines—most notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
In 1996, after a trip to California rekindled their appreciation of Napa Valley and the Bay Area, Pat and Anne acquired their first vineyard property on Mount Veeder. The following year, they purchased the Lone Canyon Vineyard, which would become the source for Ladera’s acclaimed early wines. They found that they loved the challenges and rewards of growing grapes and making wine. They also recognized that like Montana, a life in Napa Valley would allow them to raise their four children in an agrarian environment, where they could have a deeper connection with the land and their surrounding community. In 2000, this desire led the Stotesberys to acquire a historic property on Howell Mountain. Moving their family to Napa Valley, they dedicated themselves to Ladera fulltime, embracing their role as vintners.
Sharing desks side by side (as they have done for more than two decades), Pat focused on the vineyard and winemaking side of Ladera, while Anne guided its hospitality, direct-to-consumer and wine club programs. With Pat actively involved in every aspect of production, and Anne hosting guests and guiding the visitor experience, Ladera flourished, recognized both for the exceptional quality of its wines, and the warm, inviting nature of the winery. Beyond Ladera, Pat has also embraced the role of community advocate. He has served as a past president of both the Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association and the Napa Valley Vintners, and is the current chairman of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation, which has raised millions for the hospital.
In 2016, with their children grown and pursuing careers of their own, Pat and Anne decided to sell their Howell Mountain property. “As empty nesters, it was too big for us, and taking care of it was a fulltime job,” says Pat. “We wanted to focus our energies on doing what we love the most—making balanced, age-worthy mountain wines. Today, with 20 years of experience under our belts, and deep relationships in the community, we are fortunate to be able to partner with Napa Valley’s greatest winegrowers in pursuit of this vision.”
The seeds for Ladera were planted in the early 1970s, when Pat and Anne fell in love while attending university in Northern California. Among their many shared interests, they discovered a passion for wine, and were soon taking wine classes together, and traveling to wine country for tastings. Though the next two decades took them to Minnesota and Montana, where they ran a 3,200-acre ranch with 750 head of cattle, their interest in wine only grew. As it did, they found that they had a special interest in elegant Bordeaux-varietal wines—most notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
In 1996, after a trip to California rekindled their appreciation of Napa Valley and the Bay Area, Pat and Anne acquired their first vineyard property on Mount Veeder. The following year, they purchased the Lone Canyon Vineyard, which would become the source for Ladera’s acclaimed early wines. They found that they loved the challenges and rewards of growing grapes and making wine. They also recognized that like Montana, a life in Napa Valley would allow them to raise their four children in an agrarian environment, where they could have a deeper connection with the land and their surrounding community. In 2000, this desire led the Stotesberys to acquire a historic property on Howell Mountain. Moving their family to Napa Valley, they dedicated themselves to Ladera fulltime, embracing their role as vintners.
Sharing desks side by side (as they have done for more than two decades), Pat focused on the vineyard and winemaking side of Ladera, while Anne guided its hospitality, direct-to-consumer and wine club programs. With Pat actively involved in every aspect of production, and Anne hosting guests and guiding the visitor experience, Ladera flourished, recognized both for the exceptional quality of its wines, and the warm, inviting nature of the winery. Beyond Ladera, Pat has also embraced the role of community advocate. He has served as a past president of both the Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association and the Napa Valley Vintners, and is the current chairman of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation, which has raised millions for the hospital.
In 2016, with their children grown and pursuing careers of their own, Pat and Anne decided to sell their Howell Mountain property. “As empty nesters, it was too big for us, and taking care of it was a fulltime job,” says Pat. “We wanted to focus our energies on doing what we love the most—making balanced, age-worthy mountain wines. Today, with 20 years of experience under our belts, and deep relationships in the community, we are fortunate to be able to partner with Napa Valley’s greatest winegrowers in pursuit of this vision.”
Jade Barrett
Winemaker
Since 2012, Ladera’s acclaimed wines have been made by gifted Winemaker Jade Barrett. An internationally trained winemaker, with extensive experience throughout New Zealand, Australia and California, Jade is recognized for making structured and sophisticated mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, as well as an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. To create wines that embody their mountain roots, Jade works alongside proprietor Pat Stotesbery to oversee the selection and farming of the vineyards Ladera owns and works with. “Because we only make a handful of wines, we apply an incredible amount of attention at every stage of viticulture,” says Jade. “When you combine this kind of attention to detail with grapes from the finest vineyards, the results are something special.”
Jade was raised on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, which is famous for producing some of the country’s finest Bordeaux-varietal wines. Growing up surrounded by wineries, Jade began cultivating a love of wine while working in the local vineyards, while also studying viticulture and winemaking. In 1998, Jade joined the team at Te Motu Estate, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience in both the vineyard and winery. Next, Jade traveled to California, where he worked at Napa Valley’s Truchard Vineyards and Vine Cliff Winery. In addition to gaining an international perspective, Jade also fell in love with the vibrant Napa Valley winemaking community, and the diverse character of its wines.
Returning to the Southern Hemisphere to gain further experience, Jade spent the next two years at New Zealand’s Craggy Range Winery and Amberley Estate in Western Australia, before coming back to Napa Valley to take a position as the assistant winemaker at Lewis Cellars in 2004. There, Jade refined his approach to making luxury Napa Valley wines, while also developing a passion for Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside and mountain vineyards. In 2006, Jade was named the associate winemaker for Calistoga’s Jericho Canyon Vineyards, where he spent the next six years crafting hillside-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc before joining Ladera in 2012.
In the years since, Jade has guided Ladera’s vineyard and winemaking programs, further enhancing the remarkable quality of the wines, while staying true to Ladera’s vibrant and sophisticated style. Whether he’s driving the steep, winding roads of Napa Valley in search of great new vineyards, traveling to France to evaluate the finest oak cooperages, or introducing new fermentation and tannin management techniques, he is constantly working to create wines that are benchmarks for their depth, elegance and aging potential.
Jade was raised on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, which is famous for producing some of the country’s finest Bordeaux-varietal wines. Growing up surrounded by wineries, Jade began cultivating a love of wine while working in the local vineyards, while also studying viticulture and winemaking. In 1998, Jade joined the team at Te Motu Estate, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience in both the vineyard and winery. Next, Jade traveled to California, where he worked at Napa Valley’s Truchard Vineyards and Vine Cliff Winery. In addition to gaining an international perspective, Jade also fell in love with the vibrant Napa Valley winemaking community, and the diverse character of its wines.
Returning to the Southern Hemisphere to gain further experience, Jade spent the next two years at New Zealand’s Craggy Range Winery and Amberley Estate in Western Australia, before coming back to Napa Valley to take a position as the assistant winemaker at Lewis Cellars in 2004. There, Jade refined his approach to making luxury Napa Valley wines, while also developing a passion for Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside and mountain vineyards. In 2006, Jade was named the associate winemaker for Calistoga’s Jericho Canyon Vineyards, where he spent the next six years crafting hillside-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc before joining Ladera in 2012.
In the years since, Jade has guided Ladera’s vineyard and winemaking programs, further enhancing the remarkable quality of the wines, while staying true to Ladera’s vibrant and sophisticated style. Whether he’s driving the steep, winding roads of Napa Valley in search of great new vineyards, traveling to France to evaluate the finest oak cooperages, or introducing new fermentation and tannin management techniques, he is constantly working to create wines that are benchmarks for their depth, elegance and aging potential.
Chris Artley
Chief Financial Officer
As our CFO, Chris Artley has helped to guide the business side of making exceptional mountain-grown wines since 2010, while also contributing his insights into the strategic vision of Ladera. A highly respected financial executive with a quarter-century of experience, Chris approaches his work with an entrepreneurial, idea-driven mindset.
In addition to his role at Ladera, Chris is a principal at Strategic Property Development Group and The Venerable Group, both of which are real estate investment firms based in Arizona. Chris has also served as vice president of operations for Arizona Entertainment Group where he directed operations for hotel properties throughout the Southwest.
Chris earned his bachelor of science degree from Lake Superior State University and holds his insurance producer’s license and a residential real estate license in the state of Arizona. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Chris has previously served on thePhoenix Advisory Council for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Great West Division as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Boxer Luv Rescue, a not-for-profitanimal rescue organization dedicated to saving boxers throughout Arizona.
In addition to his role at Ladera, Chris is a principal at Strategic Property Development Group and The Venerable Group, both of which are real estate investment firms based in Arizona. Chris has also served as vice president of operations for Arizona Entertainment Group where he directed operations for hotel properties throughout the Southwest.
Chris earned his bachelor of science degree from Lake Superior State University and holds his insurance producer’s license and a residential real estate license in the state of Arizona. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Chris has previously served on thePhoenix Advisory Council for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Great West Division as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Boxer Luv Rescue, a not-for-profitanimal rescue organization dedicated to saving boxers throughout Arizona.
Daniel Saavedra
Vice President of Sales
As our vice president of sales, Daniel Saavedra oversees our national sales program, working closely with our great industry partners throughout the country to share our wines and to tell the Ladera story. Originally from Tampa, Florida, Danny earned his MBA in hospitality and tourism from the University of New Orleans. After university, Danny worked in fine dining, in both New Orleans, and around the country, before making his way to the Napa Valley in 2008.
Prior to joining our team in 2010, Danny worked with Gallo, where he helped guide the hospitality program, while also overseeing special events. Since coming to Ladera, Danny has become an indispensable part of our team, first as our tasting room manager, and most recently as our vice president of sales, where he focuses on building rich, lasting relationships with our trade partners and customers.
A passionate wine lover, Danny has passed both the CSW and CSS exams, as well as the introductory sommelier exam. He enjoys snowboarding, fishing, music and cooking.
Prior to joining our team in 2010, Danny worked with Gallo, where he helped guide the hospitality program, while also overseeing special events. Since coming to Ladera, Danny has become an indispensable part of our team, first as our tasting room manager, and most recently as our vice president of sales, where he focuses on building rich, lasting relationships with our trade partners and customers.
A passionate wine lover, Danny has passed both the CSW and CSS exams, as well as the introductory sommelier exam. He enjoys snowboarding, fishing, music and cooking.
Russell Craigie
Director of Hospitality
A Napa Valley native, and a seasoned wine industry professional, Russell Craigie guides hospitality at Ladera, ensuring that our visitor experience is every bit as memorable as our wines. Beginning his career in retail sales, Russell spent years developing his skills in customer service, business operations and software.
In 2010, he brought his talent for hospitality and computers to the wine industry when he joined Beaulieu Vineyards. There he helped to guide the wine club, built new teams, transitioned the company into new software and led a robust event program. He later moved to Provenance Vineyards where he managed their direct-to-consumer program, while also creating new winery partnerships and unique visitor experiences.
In 2015, Russell joined the Ladera team as the wine club manager, and today, he oversees both our direct-to-consumer and hospitality programs. An avid animal lover, he enjoys traveling and hiking with his wife and two dogs.
In 2010, he brought his talent for hospitality and computers to the wine industry when he joined Beaulieu Vineyards. There he helped to guide the wine club, built new teams, transitioned the company into new software and led a robust event program. He later moved to Provenance Vineyards where he managed their direct-to-consumer program, while also creating new winery partnerships and unique visitor experiences.
In 2015, Russell joined the Ladera team as the wine club manager, and today, he oversees both our direct-to-consumer and hospitality programs. An avid animal lover, he enjoys traveling and hiking with his wife and two dogs.
Justin Draheim
Tasting Room Manager
As our tasting room manager, Justin Draheim wholeheartedly believes in the power of a positive attitude and takes great pride in his work. He loves to ask, to learn, to teach, all with a contagious enthusiasm that helps to make any visit to Ladera unforgettable.
Justin hails from the small California mountain town of Truckee. The son of a contractor and photographer, creativity and design have always been driving forces for Justin, leading him to earn a degree in landscape architecture from UC Davis in 2007. After working in the fields of landscape design, golf resort management, and hospitality, Justin’s expertise in horticulture and soil science ultimately led him to the world of viticulture and wine. After working for both Chalk Hill Estate and Lancaster Estate in northern Sonoma County, Justin expanded his knowledge and experience by working on the production side of the wine and craft spirits businesses in both New Zealand and Tennessee.
Justin joined our Ladera team in 2015 as an estate representative, and today he manages our tasting room, while also assisting in running our DTC program. Justin is both a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and holds the Certified Sommelier (CS) credential through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is an avid golfer, skier and traveler.
Justin hails from the small California mountain town of Truckee. The son of a contractor and photographer, creativity and design have always been driving forces for Justin, leading him to earn a degree in landscape architecture from UC Davis in 2007. After working in the fields of landscape design, golf resort management, and hospitality, Justin’s expertise in horticulture and soil science ultimately led him to the world of viticulture and wine. After working for both Chalk Hill Estate and Lancaster Estate in northern Sonoma County, Justin expanded his knowledge and experience by working on the production side of the wine and craft spirits businesses in both New Zealand and Tennessee.
Justin joined our Ladera team in 2015 as an estate representative, and today he manages our tasting room, while also assisting in running our DTC program. Justin is both a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and holds the Certified Sommelier (CS) credential through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is an avid golfer, skier and traveler.
Leslie Erickson
Office Administrator
At Ladera, we are fortunate to have the wonderful Leslie Erickson as our office administrator. Raised in Napa Valley, Leslie received her higher education at universities in California and in Jerusalem, Israel, and traveled extensively before returning to Napa to raise her son.
After an early career as a newspaper reporter, Leslie honed her office management skills in the non-profit world, where she worked in the areas of higher education, healthcare and historic architectural and cultural preservation. She spent many years as the business manager for Napa County Landmarks before entering the wine industry.
Before joining Ladera in 2014, Leslie applied her numerous skills in the areas of licensing and taxes for both an internet wine sales company and a local winery compliance firm. While Leslie’s main area of focus is overseeing our office, she also greatly enjoys working with our club members and other customers.
After an early career as a newspaper reporter, Leslie honed her office management skills in the non-profit world, where she worked in the areas of higher education, healthcare and historic architectural and cultural preservation. She spent many years as the business manager for Napa County Landmarks before entering the wine industry.
Before joining Ladera in 2014, Leslie applied her numerous skills in the areas of licensing and taxes for both an internet wine sales company and a local winery compliance firm. While Leslie’s main area of focus is overseeing our office, she also greatly enjoys working with our club members and other customers.
