The Napa Valley Distillery story...

Head Distiller

Spirit Whisperer

Our very own homegrown hero, Tim, the Head Distiller of Napa Valley Distillery has worked his way up as part of the team to where he now leads Production and Distillation. 

From the Napa Valley, Tim has enjoyed a life outside of wine, working in craft breweries before landing at Napa Valley Distillery. He has grown into our Head Distiller position and has brought his own flair and passion to the program. From his unique methods, to his understanding of the process, he is a key figure at Napa Valley Distillery. 

He can be found in our Production area most days, with a grin and a joke, while listening to music. Always willing to answer a question for those on the tour, or to talk shop with folks in the Hollywood Room Bar, even found at the Oxbow Tasting Room answering questions, say hi to our Head Distiller next time you visit. 

Production Assistant

Extraordinaire

Carlos Sac is the first and longest employee at Napa Valley Distillery. He has been a large part of the family and has had a hand in making every product we have released.

Originally from San José La Máquina in Guatamala, Carlos came to us with a wealth of experience having been a production manager before coming to Napa. He brought that experience to our team and has been a key figure in our success since joining the team. When he's not at the Distillery, you'll find him on the pitch coaching men's soccer, or cooking for his wife and kids at home.

Carlos is always willing to help with all aspects of the day to day operations. You can find him in the production area filling barrels, proofing alcohol, bottling and labeling or lending a helping hand to any that need it, Carlos is a shining example of what Napa Valley Distillery stands for.

Senior Hospitality Coordinator

The Stash

Theodore is our chief spirit educator for NVD and has been working with us since 2015.

As our Senior Hospitality Coordinator, Theodore leads our tour and tastings at our Distillery's main lcoation.  A man of many hats, he is also our head Virtual Bartender, and event coordinator extraordinaire!

Theodore is a Certified Specialist of Spirits, and loves cocktails and exotic liquors from around the world.  When he is not at the Distillery, he is globetrotting with his beautiful wife or gearing up for an intense battle with his good friends playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Come meet our Distinguished Spiritied Specialist Theodore!  He is waiting for you!

Bar Club Manager

Club Guru

A new addition to our team with a long history in the Napa Valley, James has taken on our Bar Club Manager role at Napa Valley Distillery and helped it grow.

From working in the top restaurants of the Napa Valley, to the top hotels, and then finishing the trifecta with his work in wine, James has brought a quarter century of Napa Valley hospitality experience to our team to lead the Bar Club. A 4th generation local, he is also a Professional Photographer when he isn't at his "adult job" with us, taking picture of Motorcycles on and off the track with local companies as well as professional racing organizations.

You'll find him in his cave upstairs, plotting world domination and future projects for our distilling team, designing and fulfilling our Ecommerce, or assisting customers. You'll find him downstairs as well, helping with production, plotting world domination again, or adding to the guest experience.

Beverage Director

The Sultan of Shake

Our Lead Barkeep and Manager of the ArBaretum is a real mover and shaker. Since joining the team, he has led by example and been on the front lines of the ArBaretum serving guest, and creating some excellent elevated cocktails.

Kyle has behind a bar for over 15 years and has been able to lead bar programs throughout that time in a variety of places around the country. Most notably, he spent time as The Ice Chef and Mixologist for The Aviary and The Office in Chicago. 

Relocating to Santa Barbara to open his own cocktail lounge and then relocating to Northern California during Covid to be closer to family. "I then had the opportunity to join an amazing team at Napa Valley Distillery shortly after The Arbaretum opened and now have the honor to be the Creative Director for the bar program at Napa Valley Distillery."

Come down to the ArBaretum and introduce yourself to the Sultan of Shake and try some of his seasonal cocktails.

Food and Beverage Manager

Chief Hat Wearer and Cat Juggler

Hanzel Dingler comes to Napa Valley Distillery with more experience than most at his age. Having worked for some of the best restaurants in Valley for almost a Quarter Century, he bleeds Napa Valley and the Hospitality Experience that NVD believes in.

Coming to the team, he has led by example and shown his staff the bar he expects to meet for himself, and for them to follow. "Rolling up his sleeves and cleaning isn't below anybody, just like growing into a manager isn't above anybody. I believe that you can show people how to achieve greatness by showing them you work for it as hard as they do."

Say Hi to Hanzel at either of our locations when you see him, and congratulate him on his second child.