The Team - Corneliu Dane, Brian Merritt,Juan Cerna

Corneliu’s career starts in Romania when, after he obtains in 1993 a master degree in Food Sciences at University of Galatzi, he was recommended for the position of Chief Operations at “Veritas” S.A., a large beverage company. In 1998 he came with his family in California and join Kendall-Jackson Winery at its first harvest in Monterey County. In 2003, he jumped at the opportunity to work at Calera Wine Co., considering the traditional winemaking approach in small winery. Corneliu joined Monterey Wine Company in 2006.

Juan is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz and holds a B.S. in Biology. During his over 10 years of experience in wine industry he has held positions such as Laboratory Technician at Canandaigua Wine Company, Research Sr. Technician for CWC in Madera, Assistant Winemaker for CWC in Escalon, Associate Winemaker for Oakridge Winery in Lodi, as well as Cellar Manager/Supervisor for Barrel Ten Quarter Circle in Napa. In 2007 Juan accepted the position of Assistant Winemaker with Monterey Wine Company and with the array of knowledge he has picked up over the years he is an excellent addition to the team.

Brian is a graduate of California State University at Fresno and holds a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry. Brian was born and raised in Southern Monterey County and has seen the area grow from a few small vineyards to a premium grape growing region. Brian began his career in the wine industry working for Kendall-Jackson where he was heavily involved in research. He then became the Laboratory Manager for Jekel Vineyards where his knowledge of the wine industry outside the laboratory grew. Brian joined Monterey Wine Company early on as Laboratory Manager and in keeping with the Company's mission.