Our Team

Joe Nielsen

Joe Nielsen

As General Manager and Director of Winemaking, Joe Nielsen leads Ram's Gate Winery with a clear vision of our winemaking and business programs.

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Meredith Hayes

Meredith Hayes

As Director of DTC Sales & Marketing, Meredith Hayes leads the DTC, membership, brand marketing and distribution programs.

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Rachel Bordes

Rachel Bordes

Enologist Rachel Bordes works closely with the winemaking team to oversee all wine production across the lab, cellar and vineyards.

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Ruby Oliveros

Ruby Oliveros

Executive Chef Ruby Oliveros leads the culinary team and works closely with winemaking to create delectable wine and food pairings.

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The founders

The Ram’s Gate ownership team is led by Managing Owner Michael John, a San Francisco private equity investor and wine collector, with strong ties to the wine industry in addition to being active in environmental improvement efforts; Jeff O’Neill, the owner of O’Neill Vintners and former Chair of the Wine Institute, Paul Violich, a well-known Northern California investor and agri-business leader specializing in walnut and almond plantings; and Peter Mullin, a businessman and passionate wine grower who owns a 15-acre estate in Umbria, Italy, where he grows Sagrantino and Sangiovese grapes. Ram’s Gate Winery is the realization of their shared passion for fine wine and commitment to land stewardship.