We’re thrilled to introduce our new tasting room manager, Bryan!

He may have started his career wielding a whisk in the kitchen, but during the pandemic, he traded it in for a wine glass and never looked back. As our new tasting room manager, Bryan’s mission is to make every guest feel welcome and have a fun, memorable experience. With his warm smile and killer wine knowledge, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for wine.

Get to know Bryan better in this blog post, and then come down to the tasting room to meet him in person!

What is your background (how you got started and what drew you to the industry)?
Bryan: My background is in pastry. I know, right?! I went to culinary school in San Francisco at Le Cordon Bleu. From there, I worked in bakeries and restaurants until I landed a job at a winery in Livermore. I toiled away in the kitchen, making pastries and other sweet delights, never knowing the wine world that awaited me. Once Covid hit and closed our restaurant, I was asked if I would like to sell wine. My wine knowledge at the time was that I knew there was red wine, and I knew there was white wine. Once I started selling, talking about, and drinking the wine, my knowledge and love for wine increased exponentially. I quickly identified some of my favorite varietals as Petite Syrah and Barbera. Funny enough, those are some of our best-sellers here at Campos Family Vineyards!

 

What is the secret to a great customer experience in the tasting room?
Bryan: The secret is to create an environment that is both welcoming and informative. This means providing a comfortable space where guests can relax and enjoy their tasting or glass and knowledgeable staff who can answer their questions about the wine and the winery. I consider our guests to be returning friends.

 

What does your typical day look like?
Bryan: My typical day starts with a couple of hours on the computer. I check and return any emails, look for reservations, and plan for the day. I then have the opportunity to walk the beautiful property on my way to the tasting room. Once the tasting room is open to our guests, that’s when the magic happens. I love greeting our guests and putting smiles on their faces right away! We deliver a great customer experience here at Campos Family Vineyards because we are so dedicated to our guests.

How would you describe Campos Family Vineyards wines to someone who has yet to experience them?
Bryan: Campos Family Vineyards wines are made with passion and creativity, which shows in every bottle. The wines are full of flavor and character and reflect the terroir of the area. Some of the things that make Campos Family Vineyard wines special is that the grapes are handpicked, resulting in softer wines full of character. They are perfect when paired with food or just simply enjoyed on their own. My personal favorite? Biggie’s Bourbon Barrel-Aged Zinfandel.