After a career in neuroscience research, Melissa founded Ancient Oak. She is just about everywhere:  with the picking crew in the wee hours of the morning, scheduling deliveries of barrels and supplies, and flying redeye to visit trade accounts across the country. 

In addition, after 10 years of learning  from Greg La Follette, Melissa is now winemaker for Ancient Oak.

After a decade with Ancient Oak, Greg has taken a step back from hands-on winemaking, and is now in a guiding role. Greg learned his trade as an apprentice under the great master, Andre Tchelistcheff, learning from him not only how to smell and taste wine, but also how to listen  to it. Greg has taught Melissa small-lot fermentations with native yeast, which aren't risk-free, but can yield extraordinary results. 

Ken learned the ways of the farm from his Grandfather and Grandmother, and helped plant the last blocks of grapes with them. When they passed away, Ken took over the ranch/vineyard, where he and Melissa now live, and he farms. Ken's farming practices include grazing sheep in the rows in winter and other sustainable approaches, all certified by Fish Friendly Farming.

Arnulfo has worked for Ken for many years, and for Ken's grandfather before that. He knows (and in many cases planted) every vine.

Presiding in the center of the property at the intersection of the Rancho San Miquel Donation Land Claim eastern border and the Township/Range line between Townships 7 and 8, the eponymous Ancient Oak has seen Pomo Indians gather its acorns, early cattle operations, pre-Prohibition vineyards, poultry, dairy, and sheep ranching before vines were again planted by Ken's grandparents.

Always ready, always amiable (even at 3am), Rogelio brings decades of experience working in vineyards. Ken has worked with Rogelio for more than than ten years, and Ken contracts with Rogelio's crew exclusively to do the vineyard pruning and canopy management and harvest work where we need a larger crew. With his deep experience in a great many vineyards, Rogelio is a terrific resource and Ken discusses the management of the vineyards with Rogelio regularly.