THE PEOPLE BEHIND CARLTON CELLARS
Dave Grooters
Owner, Grower, and Winemaker Dave is a hands-on kind of guy who brings a former engineer’s attention to detail to bear on everything he does, from vinification to pruning methodologies. His direct personal involvement in every aspect of Carlton Cellars is clear when you visit for a tasting. He’ll tell you the story of your glass of wine, the angle of the sun on that block of triple-7, how much fruit was dropped to achieve the concentrated flavors, and where in France the oak for the barrel made came from.
Brandon Harlacher
Director of Sales and Marketing Brandon brings more than 20 years experience in management and sales, focused in branding, marketing and public relations. Specializing in the "brand experience," Brandon will help transition Carlton Cellars rich legacy into a future where it is the premier wine brand in the Savannah Ridge and Yamhill/Carlton AVA. Brandon and his wife Jocelyn, live in Southwest Portland with Otis, their Black and Tan Coonhound. They love to travel, eat great food, and root for the Duke Blue Devils.
John Turgesen
Winery Ambassador John acts as the weekend lead in the Carlton Cellars tasting room. With 10 years of tasting room experience, John knows how to get wine in your glass. Bringing a genuine enthusiasm to every interaction, it is his goal to ensure you have an exceptional experience. During the week, John stays at home to take care of his two daughters and the pile of dishes. The weekend provides him with opportunity to interact with adults and the sweet nectar of the gods.
Amanda Pendergraft
Winery Ambassador A cat-loving, wine-drinking, sci-fi enthusiast, What was originally meant to be a temporary relocation during the harvest of 2016, turned into a permanent move. With a background in Enology and Viticulture, she enjoys learning more about the sub AVAs of the region and reveling in what it has to offer. When she isn't in the tasting room or on the bottling line, Amanda enjoys binging shows on Netflix, rolling natural 20's in DnD, and discovering new hiking trails.