Leadership Team at Sparkman Cellars
At Sparkman Cellars, our leadership team is devoted to crafting exceptional wines and creating unforgettable experiences for every guest. Each member brings their own mix of expertise, passion, and charm to everything they do. Together, they guide our vision, ensuring that every bottle and every visit reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and that warm, welcoming hospitality.
Chris holds a Master’s Degree in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. He was a National Sea Grant Fellow, serving as marine mammal policy analyst for the NOAA’s International Whaling Commission team. He also served as an Agroforester in the Peace Corps, living in a montaine cloud forest in Cameroon in 1994-95.
Kelly’s Wildlife Biology degree led her to mountain tops in Wyoming with the Peregrine Fund Reintroduction Program, old growth forests for the U.S. Forest Service Spotted Owl Preservation Program in California and under icy waters as a diver for Prince William Sound Aquaculture in Alaska. Just prior to motherhood, she worked eight years as a veterinarian technician at Inglemoor Animal Hospital. As a mother of two, with two dogs and two cats, she still manages a lot of wildlife.
Bryan generally manages all things in the front of the house at Sparkman Cellars. Hailing from Louisiana, Bryan brings a genuine sense of Southern charm and hospitality that helps our guests feel the love. He earned his sommelier certification from the Court of Masters in 2007.
After many years in fine dining from Alaska to New Orleans, he joined Sparkman Cellars staff permanently in 2009.
Linn, a Seattle native, has worked in the Washington wine industry since 2001. After deciding to make the wine world a long term home, Linn attended Universities in France and Germany earning a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology.
His first harvest with Sparkman Cellars was 2010. He is also involved with the Internation Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) and teaches part-time at South Seattle Community College.
Marlena is the Operations Manager for Sparkman Cellars. She is a graduate of culinary school, attended the Northwest Wine Academy, and holds a Sommelier certification from the Court of Masters. She further refined her culinary skills through an internship in Italy. Marlena is a Seattle native who loves NW cuisine, hiking, and camping.
As Tasting Room Manager at Sparkman Cellars, I love creating memorable guest experiences. A Seattle native with a passion for wine, I enjoy learning and growing in the winery. My favorite? Sparkman’s Ethereal Blanc de Blancs! I also love spending time with my French Bulldog, Coco.
Kristi has been with Sparkman since 2016, and manages our Wine Club & DTC fulfillment. From Florida, Kristi is full of southern hospitality, and ensures our members & guests enjoy a personalized journey with Sparkman. When free, Kristi enjoys time with her boys & fur babies.
Mom of two lively boys who keep life entertaining! I’m a weightlifting enthusiast with a love for sunny escapes. With over 8 years in the events industry, I specialize in crafting unforgettable experiences. Proud WSU Cougar and football fan—go Cougs! Excited to create memorable moments together!
WSU alumni and events manager with a zest for adventure! A wine aficionado who believes every bottle tells a story and a globe-trotter with a passport full of memories. Whether crafting unforgettable events or exploring new wines, I’m always on the hunt for my next great experience! GO COUGS!
Assistant winemaker with 6 years of industry experience. I’m passionate about crafting exceptional wines, and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside head winemaker Linn Scott, constantly learning and refining my skills in every step of the winemaking process.
Mom of 3, Lolli (AKA grandma) of 3, dog lover, sun worshipper, travel enthusiast, and lucky to have friends who feel like family! When I’m not soaking up rays or planning my next trip, I’m at Sparkman Cellars, sharing my love for wine (torn between Darkness Syrah and our new GSM).
Hi, I’m Rochelle, Lead Server and Kitchen Manager at Sparkman. I’m originally from Edmonds, WA, and when I’m not in the tasting room, you’ll find me cheering on Seattle sports teams or experimenting with growing hot peppers and making my own hot sauce. As for wine, my favorite Sparkman wine changes depending on the day, but I’ll always have a soft spot for the Darkness Syrah. Looking forward to serving you and sharing my passions for great food, wine, and a little spice!
Sparkman Cellars Sales & Distribution Team
At Sparkman Cellars, we’re proud to have a dedicated team that brings the spirit of Southern hospitality to every bottle we distribute. Our Sales Team works tirelessly to share our handcrafted wines with retailers, restaurants, and wine lovers across the region. We’re not just about selling wine—we’re about building relationships, delivering quality, and making sure every customer feels like part of the Sparkman family. From our winery to your bottle or glass, cheers!
Craig moved to Seattle in 2015 from Chattanooga, TN. A former video editor and camera operator, he’s worked in California, Colorado, Kenya, and Tanzania. In 2024, he earned his WSET Diploma and became a French and Italian Wine Scholar. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest behind a camera.
Gabe is a Seattle native but moved to New England for school where upon graduating he sold wine with Gallo and Martignetti Companies. He recently moved back to Seattle after spending time working with winemakers in Chile and a harvest in South Australia. Gabe is a WSET Level II and is eager to pursue more wine education.
Nate delivers for Sparkman Cellars, traveling all around the Puget Sound. Born in Everett, Nate studied chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, and from there fostered his interest in winemaking. He joined the Sparkman team in 2024.
The Heart & Soul of Sparkman Cellars: Our Operational Team
At Sparkman Cellars, it’s the hardworking folks behind the scenes who make everything run like a well-oiled machine. From the tasting room to the kitchen, this team brings that warm, Southern-style hospitality to every guest who walks through our doors. They make sure every visit is memorable, and every sip of wine is something special.
Christina Taylor is from the Carolinas, a Wine Unify alumna, and holds WSET Level 2 certification. She enjoys traveling, watching food shows, and learning about the stories behind your favorite wines!
Hi! I’m Jody. I’ve lived in 4 states but now call Seattle home for over 30 years. Wine adds comfort, conversation, and community to every meal. I love Sparkman’s Rainmaker (Cabernet/Malbec blend) for its fruit-forward flavor. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and sports!
I grew up in Bothell and studied at Edmonds College before transferring to UC Davis in California where I major in winemaking. My passion of wine stems from cooking with my family growing up on warm summer nights, and as an artist, I like the stylistic choices that make each batch of wine so unique!
Growing up in Boulder, Colorado, I’ve embraced the great outdoors while cultivating my love for boxing. When I’m not at the gym, you can find me unwinding with a glass of Outlaw and playing with my cat Buckley.
I’m Maria Faulhaber. I have lived in the Seattle area since 2001, calling Woodinville home since 2016. I thought it would be fun to work at a winery tasting room. I was right! This is a fun place to work. My favorite Sparkman wine is Darkness.
Melinda, an educator from the Pacific Northwest, treasures family breaks in Walla Walla, where wine exploration takes center stage. Though Syrah holds her heart, her Sparkman favorite is Underworld, a bold petit verdot.
Hi, I’m Noah. My favorite wine is anything after I’m 21 and, In my spare time, I like to draw.
A proud country girl with a love for Outlaw Merlot from Whidbey Island, I’m all about savoring life’s little joys. My baby boy is my world, and when I’m not riding the waves, we’re exploring the beauty of the great outdoors together. Cheers to surfing, motherhood, and making unforgettable unforgettable.
My hometown is Woodinville. Although II’ve spent the last 10+ years in Southern California until recently moving back to the PNW. My favorite Sparkman wine currently is Outlaw. I enjoy hiking, photography and travel.
Victor has been working in the industry since 2021 after realizing there was better stuff out there than boxed wine lol. He’s never met a Malbec he hasn’t liked. His favorite Sparkman wine is the Black Dragon. Ask him about it on your next visit to Sparkman.
We are a family owned and operated winery, located in Woodinville, WA. We’re committed to making wines that are considered among the finest in the world. Click below to shop our selection of quality wines.
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