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Team

Stronger together. Always. We value working smarter, creatively finding a way, and enthusiastically showing up. But more than that, we care about people and their families.

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President

Allen Lombardi

An ambitious and fearless leader, Allen boldly moved the Lombardis from New Jersey to California to pursue their dream of a family wine business. Now, he’s the new Italian in Lodi, charting his own course.

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Director of Winemaking

Noel Basso

A California native, Noel has nearly two decades of experience with grape varietals and oak character, working for both large and small wineries. A magician or perfectionist when it comes to blending, aging and fining? We say both!

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Director of Operations

Amy Aguilera

Amy had her career calling in high school when her eyes were opened to agriculture’s endless impacts on our world. Now, she’s making her own contributions to the industry, ensuring the complicated logistics of running a winery look smooth.  

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Director of Sales 

John White

John is well versed in wine sales, having spent time on both the distributorship and producer sides. He’s fair and honest and knows the rules. And in his spare time, he uses these same skills to referee high school basketball games.

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International Sales Manager

Steve Merritt

Between his time in the Air Force and time selling wine internationally, Steve has some impressive mileage logged, and even more impressive lessons on international trade and regional cuisine.

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Central Regional Manager

John Verette

John is from South Texas and has over 16 years of Wine & Spirits experience.  Spending time on both the distribution and supplier side he brings a well rounded point of view.  With a young family his current hobby is going to youth baseball and volleyball games.

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Western Regional Manager

Natalie Hubbard

Natalie grew up in Paradise, CA and attended CSU Chico. She's been excelling in the adult beverage industry since 2004 when she started with Bacardi USA. In her free time, she enjoys Jeep off roading in the rugged landscapes of Southern California. 

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Southeast Regional Manager

Donna Popkin

Donna joins the team with over 25 years of experience curating a cast adult beverage portfolio including: independent, chain, on premise, club stores as well as cruise channels. A Florida Native, Donna spends her free time enjoying boating, pilates, and, of course, sharing food and amazing wines with friends and family.

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Northeast Regional Manager

Gerry Catanzano

A resident of Long Island, Gerry brings with him close to 30 years of experience in the Adult Beverage Industry, both in supplier and distributor roles. Gerry has extensive knowledge in brand building, training and developing sales teams, and educating people about the rewards of proper food and wine pairings.  

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Sales Manager

AJ Lombardi

AJ has grown up around entrepreneurialism, critical analysis and Lombardi stamina. He brings these skills plus on-the-floor wine production experience to the Hook Or Crook family.

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