About Us
Susanne Sapier
Owner & Winemaker
Susanne has always had a passion for good wine and great fun. In late 2008 she decided to buy a piece of property in Ramona, Ca and start a vineyard. Just 3 weeks later, in early 2009, they planted their first vine on the property. While waiting for the new vines to produce good grapes, Susanne started wine-making right away. In 2011, she started using her estate grapes to make her wine. In 2013 she opened the Vineyard Grant James tasting room to the public and to this day, she loves to see people enjoying her wine and the atmosphere of a boutique winery in the Ramona valley. The winery is named after Susanne's son Grant, and her father James. Susanne very much enjoys crafting wine and experimenting with blends.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: Aquarius, Favorite Grape: Nebbiolo
Gabrielle sherman
General Manager & sommelier
Gabrielle studied Viticulture, Enology and Wine appreciation at Yavapai college in Arizona. She has participated in harvest and crush for many years (and in many states). Originally a floral designer, she felt drawn to the vines. Her background in catering and events lead to her appreciation of fine wines and her drive to become a Sommelier. Gabi is currently studying to become a Certified Specialist of Wine.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wines: Estate Nebbiolo and Marsanne
Allie Rae Ferguson
San Diego Marketing Director
Allie, a native of Ramona, has a passion for the way wine connects people in all walks of life. In 2016, she became a part of the Grant James family and is now a part of our San Diego Marketing Team. She has a Certificate in Wine Business Management from Sonoma State, and is working on obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Business & Marketing. Allie is also the RVVA Marketing Director and was the 1st Annual Ramona Grape Stomp Princess.
Favorite Vineayrd Grant James Wines: Viognier & Nebbiolo
Lorri Rieve
Tasting Room Associate
Lorri grew up in Napa and had a career in retail. She has found a perfect way to combine her extensive customer service background with her love of wine. She enjoys working the tasting room at Vineyard Grant James and sharing her experiences and knowledge.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: Lacerta
Peyton White
Tasting Room & Winery Assistant
Peyton is a recent RHS graduate 2019 (ASB, Basketball leader), works at Jersey Mikes, and is a behind the scenes all around gal at Vineyard Grant James. She is currently a college student at CSUSM majoring in Criminology with the hopes of being a forensic clinical psychologist.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: She's not 21-so no favorite wine, but she loves Starbucks!
Katie mcclure
Tasting room & Winery ASSISTANT
Katie is currently a senior at Ramona High School and will be graduating in 2021. Some of Katie's favorite activities include going to the beach, surfing, and snowboarding with her best friends and family. In school she enjoys her chemistry and hopes to join a nursing program at Palomar college and then transfer to SDSU.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: She is not 21- so no favorite wine, but Katie loves to drink Redbull.
Nicole Warady
Vineyard and Winery Consultant
Nicole is a critical part of the staff here at Vineyard Grant James. With a background in wine labs and trained at Napa Valley College in Viticulture, she provides expert advice on the quality of our wines at all stages in production. She runs critical tests in the wine cellar and advises on vineyard management to ensure the grapes are of the highest quality. Nicole is an excellent member of our team.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: Malbec
Devin Sandhoffer
Vineyard & Wine Cellar Associate
Devin is a
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: There are 19 of the,! I haven't made it through them all yet!
Cole Sandhoffer
Vineyard & Wine Cellar Associate
Devin is a recent college graduate from Willamette University with a degree in Environmental Sciences. In college he planted and owned his own home garden and brewed beer for his classmates. He loves working at Vineyard Grant James bevause he is interested in viticulture and winemaking. He would love to make his own wine someday to chare with friends and family.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: There are 19 of the,! I haven't made it through them all yet!
Walker "Bad Dog"
Winery Dog and Pest Management
While normally the hard stuff is left to our more experienced staff, hospitality and friendliness is something Walker is not short of. He enjoys greeting customers curbside, although we would not trust him with our keys. When the tasting patio is not open, Walker can usually be found chasing the winery cats up into their hammocks or sniffing out gopher and rabbit holes deep in between the vines. He also enjoys big stretches and laying on the gravel. In his younger years, he was a more eager pest manager, but now he enjoys evening walks and awaiting for scraps of picnic leftovers on the patio.
Favorite Vineyard Grant James Wine: The freshest grapes off the vine
Dante "worser Dog"
Winery Dog and Pest Management
Dante, the winemaker's son's dog, stays with his "grandparents" Jaques and Susanne here at the winery. He enjoys roaming the winery and getting into the bushes. When the tasting patio is not open, Dante can usually be found chasing the winery cats up into their hammocks or begging someone to throw his favorite ball. There is not enough tennis balls in the world to satisfy this dog.