SYV Makers

Maker Jake Francis didn’t start out with formal culinary training. After earning a degree in French and International Studies from the University of Washington, he navigated a challenging early-2000s job market and found himself drawn to the kitchen. We sat down with Jake to learn more about his journey.

Cassidy and Marko Alexandrou, owners of Motley Crew Ranch and Marketplace, share their philosophy as farmers and butchers working in the Santa Ynez Valley.

His global experiences shaped his winemaking philosophy and nurtured a love for classically made wines. We sat down with Ernst to learn more about his journey and his winemaking style.

Maker Amy Dixon, owner and chief baker of The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez, opened her artisanal bakery and cafe in 2012, and now serves breakfast, lunch and services over 30 local restaurants with housemade breads. We sat down with Amy to learn more about her and The Baker’s Table.

Maker Levi Richard grew up in Southern California, surrounded by family who lived nearby. All four of his grandparents were wonderful cooks, each of them inspiring him with their personal talents in the kitchen. Today, Chef Levi is the executive pastry chef for the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez. We sat down with Levi to…

At Cal Poly, she coordinated themed wine events and met her future husband, Ryan. After college, the pair made their way to the Santa Ynez Valley, to pursue their passion for winemaking together. We sat down with Brit to learn more about her journey.

She spent several years teaching ceramics to 6th-12th graders at Trevor Day School—her dream job—before eventually bringing her craft to the Santa Ynez Valley. We sat down with Veronica to learn more about her journey.

Christi had always dreamed of starting her own creative business yet discovered that her extroverted personality didn’t fit with working solo. By immersing herself in the wine industry’s collaborative community, she finally found a path that felt right.