OUR TEAM
Meet The Dream Team
Say hello to the small but mighty team whose passion and dedication drives McKinney Family Vineyards.
Matt McKinney
OWNER and DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING
A Santa Ynez native, Matt’s passion for wine began in college going wine tasting in his hometown with childhood friends. His travels abroad, and time spent living in Greece and Italy during his pro-volleyball career, further opened his mind and senses to the vast, complex, and heart-warming world of wine.
In 2013 Matt moved home to pursue winemaking full time. He studied Viticulture and Enology at Allen Hancock College and began working wine production for three of the top wineries in Santa Ynez (Sunstone, Dierberg Starlane, and Dragonette Cellars), while beginning to make his own wine on the side.
Matt was fortunate to learn from some of the best, like Tyler Thomas (Dierberg StarLane), John and Steve Dragonette and Brandon Sparks Gillis (Dragonette Cellars), and Bion Rice (Sunstone Winery). He credits these great winemakers and mentors for teaching him to go beyond average in the cellar and in life.
Justice Massara
Head winemaker
Originally from Bend, Oregon, Justice’s passion for wine took him to Mount Veeder in Napa Valley where he learned the ropes as a vineyard hand. Later he moved to Santa Ynez Valley in pursuit of making wine and living among the best vineyards and wineries in California.
He received his certificate in winemaking from UC Davis. With 12 harvests (and counting) under his belt, Justice brings a wealth of wine knowledge and production experience. In 2017, he was managing operations at a local winery when he met Matt and the two became fast friends. After he tasted McKinney wine, he was hooked.
Justice’s passion for fine wine, leadership and commitment to excellence is why we depend on him for the winemaking at McKinney Family Vineyards.
Megan Washington
Chief of Operations & WIne Club manager
Megan first joined the MFV family, not as an employee, but as a wine club member! She has since become our wine club manager and handles all things back office to keep our operations running smoothly.
Megan’s passion for wine is addictive and she has over 10 years of industry experience, working in high-end retail wine sales and at another top winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. Megan has a serious work ethic and goes above and beyond to make our club members and clientele happy.
In her spare time she loves cooking, hiking, and tending to her extensive succulent and cacti collection.
Kristin Sandberg
Wine Production and Hospitality
Kristin Sandberg joined our dynamic team just in time to dive headfirst into the 2021 harvest.
Growing up around wine production with her Italian family, wine runs in Kristin’s blood. She has a passion for both winemaking and hospitality, and brings 5 years of experience in high-end wine sales and hospitality. She also has a talent for photography and we rely on her to capture many of the stunning shots you see on our social media.
Some of her favorite things to do are hiking, snowboarding, cooking, and spending time with her cats and loved ones!
Alicia Takhar
Events Coordinator & Hospitality
Having moved from being just a few blocks away from Central Park in New York, to the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, she decided to launch herself into the SBC Wine Industry by joining our team during Harvest 2023!
Originally from the corporate world hosting high-end private events while in New York, while also acquiring her Level 3 WSET, she has become our Events Coordinator for McKinney Family Vineyards, while also being an excellent Ambassador for our brand by hosting guests and club members at the property.
Alicia is a dedicated individual who has shown her passion for providing excellent customer service to our guests and members, and looks forward to continuing to learn about the Central Coast.
Jake Mercuri
Winery Production & Hospitality
Jake Mercuri’s wine journey began in high school at a boutique shop in Dayton, Ohio stocking bottles and learning about the retail business of wine. Jake followed his wife Cassie to Los Angeles and has spent the past seven years back in wine on the e-commerce side of the industry. Jake comes from a marketing and design background specializing in branding, wine label design, and filmmaking.
His ever-growing love affair with Central Coast wine and all its trappings have led Jake to the passionate team at McKinney Family Vineyards, first as an intern for Harvest 2023, and now our reliable person to help out in the cellar and at the property in Santa Ynez.
Last But Not Least
Lee Ann McKinney
PRO Weed Puller
During harvest, Lee Ann still enjoys helping harvest the grapes and during the off season she labels herself as a ‘Professional Weed Puller’! She counsels her husband and son on all organic practices on the McKinney property.
Harry McKinney
Hobbyist Geologist
A retired money manager, Harry says he finds great joy in working outdoors and watching over the vineyards. He has a passion for geology and often gathers rocks from around the property for his stone stacking hobby.
Star & Luna
Gopher Patrol
Doing their part to keep the biodynamic ecosystem going, Star can often be seen hunting down gophers in the vineyard while our puppy Luna learns the ropes. When they aren’t chasing gophers, they’re our friendly greeters on the property!
Come Visit Us
Come tour the McKinney estate and taste our exceptional wines.