Our People

Michael Davies | Executive Winemaker

A small-town New Zealander, Michael completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Scandinavian Studies and Political Science at the University of Auckland leading to some unusual jobs, before returning to Lincoln University for a post-graduate diploma in Viticulture & Enology. Prior to joining A to Z, he served as Vineyard Manager and Assistant Winemaker for 6 years at Chehalem, as well as in Burgundy, California, the Hunter Valley of Australia and numerous regions of New Zealand.  Michael and his winemaker wife, Anna Matzinger, make Matzinger Davies wines.

Jennifer Willis | Director of DTC Sales & Operations

With over 20 years in the wine industry, Jennifer leads all things Direct to Consumer, from tasting room experiences to wine club relationships, e-commerce, and unforgettable food and wine focused events. She’s all about smart strategy, strong teams, and making wine experiences truly memorable. When she’s not talking wine or tracking sales, you’ll find her eating cheese, hanging at her off-grid cabin, or adventuring with her husband and identical twin boys.

Mark Zeitouni | Winery Chef

Chef Mark Zeitouni brings decades of culinary expertise to our winery, having led kitchens at acclaimed destinations like The Standard Spa in Miami Beach and Sunset Beach Hotel in New York. A New York native raised in South Florida, his career tenure extends to roles at Kimpton Hotels, Bistro Viola, and the Mandarin Oriental. He’s been honored with the Aprenti Cusiniere Award from Johnson & Wales and named a San Francisco Chronicle Rising Star. Outside the kitchen, Mark enjoys cycling, gardening, and hands-on home renovation projects.

Mark Smith | Hospitality Manager

Mark is a sixth-generation Oregonian who spent his childhood on beaches or in forests. After studying philosophy and geology at the University of Oregon, he moved to NYC and discovered wine. After years as a Sommelier and Wine Director at Michelin starred restaurants, he felt called back to the rugged beauty of Oregon and his family.

Brandon Harlacher | Tasting Room Supervisor

Brandon manages daily operations to cultivate welcoming, educational, and fun experiences. Brandon’s journey through the wine industry spans hospitality, retail, wholesale, distribution, and even vineyard and winery operations—offering a well-rounded perspective and deep appreciation for every bottle poured. Before wine, Brandon spent years managing rock bands in Portland. Outside of work, you’ll find Brandon immersed in music or exploring the outdoors through hiking, camping, and disc golf.

Lindsey Ragsdale | Events & Experiences Specialist 

Lindsey is our Events & Experiences Specialist at REX HILL and Erath. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating memorable experiences, Lindsey coordinates and oversees a variety of events for both brands, executing each one flawlessly. Before joining us, Lindsey honed her skills at Iris Vineyards as the Wine Club Manager & Winery Administrator. She holds a BS in Dance and Chemistry from Pacific University and a Certificate in Winemaking from UC Davis. Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys reading books, attending concerts, and experiencing Broadway shows.

Jonathan Lampe | DTC Hospitality & Wine Education Lead

Jonathan originally joined REX HILL part-time in the tasting room to expand his knowledge of Pinot Noir and wine in general. Those weekend shifts intensified his passion for wine so much that he decided to leave his decade-long career in insurance and join the team full time. He has since become a Certified Specialist of Wine and has passed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 Certification. Jonathan is happy to share interesting wine knowledge in the tasting room.

Marissa Hiney | DTC Operations Specialist

As the primary contact for all things Wine Club, Marissa expertly manages offerings, enrollments, order processing, questions, and inventory. Alongside the Events Specialist, she organizes and runs club events, ensuring a seamless experience for members. Before joining our team, Marissa worked in accounting and real estate and earned a BS in Economics. Recently, she achieved a significant milestone by passing the WSET 2 with distinction. In her free time, Marissa enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending quality time with her husband and dog.