Our Team

Mike Stonum

General Partner | Winemaker
Vineyard Operations

Kathy Stonum

Winemaker | Winery Operations

Maridel Stonum

Retail & Client Relations

Paul Meyers

General Partner

Francesca Stonum

Vineyard Operations
Organic Garden Developer | Events

Sergio Barriga

Vineyard Foreman

Ana Calderon

Vineyard | Tasting Room

Andrea Barriga

Vineyard | Tasting Room

Al Fox

Handyman | “The Nose that Knows” 

Christopher Dasalio

Assistant Winemaker | Cellar Master

Christopher Stonum

Vineyard Operations
Organic Garden Developer | Manager

Brian Kerney

Grounds/Garden Developer

Mike Stonum

General Partner | Winemaker | Vineyard Operations

Mike Stonum was born and raised in Los Altos, California. His love for farming began at the age of eighteen, when he was hired on as vineyard foreman at Barra Vineyards in Mendocino County. Farmer, Pete Barra, would be an influential mentor for Mike, who came into his own as a farmer during his time with the Barra Family. Inspired to farm his own land, Mike made the move to Lodi, California planting 15 acres of Zinfandel; the beginning of Stonum Vineyards. Vineyards. In addition to farming, Mike maintained a decorated career with The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, retiring as Battalion Chief in 2007. Through trial and error, intuition, and deep passion, Mike along with his sister Kathy forged their way as self taught winemakers, a combination that would result in wines that could only be described as uniquely “Stonum”. It would be his dogged work ethic, perfectionism, and innovative spirit that would build Stonum into what it is today.

On August 30, 2019, Mike passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His legacy lives on at Stonum through his vineyard, his family, and everlasting impression on all who knew him.

Kathy Stonum

Winemaker | Winery Operations

Kathy was born in San Francisco and grew up in Los Altos. She attended San Diego State University, University of California at Los Angeles, and graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a teaching credential. In 1975, Kathy moved to Mendocino County where she secured her first teaching position and raised Arabian horses. In 1978, she took advantage of an opportunity to teach in Norway and travel through Europe. In 1979, the purchase of seventeen acres brought her to Lodi to help develop the family vineyard, and subsequently become a self-taught winemaker. Kathy’s winemaking philosophy is simple yet exacting: to create wines with finesse and balance using a light touch and minimalistic intervention, allowing the true character of the fruit and terroir to emerge. In 2013, Kathy retired from a thirty-five year career in education. She currently pursues her passion of growing grapes and making wine with her family at Stonum Vineyards.

Maridel Stonum

Retail & Client Relations

Maridel Stonum is the wife of the late Michael Stonum. Maridel came to the United States in 1982 after graduating from college with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. It is at San Joaquin General Hospital where she would meet Mike and marry in 1984. Over the years, Maridel would be a strong support as Mike worked to build the family business. Long before the Tasting Barn was officially open for business, Maridel showered guests with hospitality as she and Mike hosted passersby interested in the winery in their yard on the property. She continues to make guests feel at home pouring in the tasting room.

Paul Meyers

General Partner

Paul Meyers – was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and did a short 18 month residency before the family moved to Los Altos Ca. He grew up in a ranch home surrounded by Apricot and Cherry orchards. He delightfully recalls “incalculable” hours with his mom picking, pitting, and drying the fruit from their Apricot haven…Paul and Mike together attended and graduated in ‘75’ from Homestead High School in Cupertino… Should mention here that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, a couple of years ahead of Mike and Paul, claim the same honor. “ I grew up in a wonderful period , in an incredibly “Rockwellian era” about to change from “Fruit capital of the nation” to technology center of the world. The word “Silicon Valley” had not yet been conceived!” After mechanical engineering schooling, Paul moved to San Juan Capistrano , Ca to raise his family of 4 with his wife Mary. He formed Capistrano Labs. in San Clemente, Ca. and now proudly designs and manufactures (with all USA parts and suppliers) a compliment of products providing 60% of the world market with Medical Eye Care Diagnostic products…” It’s about time I return to “the orchard”…Only this time…harvest won’t require a rickety wooden ladder!”

Francesca Stonum

Vineyard Operations | Organic Garden Developer | Events

Francesca grew up in the vineyard tagging alongside her father, Michael. It’s this deep tie to the land of only a farmer’s daughter that drives her commitment to carrying on the Stonum legacy. Before her return, Francesca studied Film Production with an emphasis in social documentary at San Diego State University. Now following in her father’s footsteps, Francesca hopes to take her stewardship to the next level with a holistic approach to the farm and business. Her motto: When we bring what we do in line with nature as much as possible; the plants, animals and people are happy! When she’s not out in the field, Francesca can be found pouring the family’s wines in the tasting barn, where you will likely share some laughs and a big hug on the way out. Francesca is also in charge of the winery events, offering inspired community events. She hopes to continue her father’s spirit of hard work and dedication mixed with a whole lot of fun!

Sergio Barriga

Vineyard Foreman

Sergio Barriga, vineyard foreman, joined Stonum Vineyards in 2007. His enthusiasm and strong sense of responsibility have made him a valued member of the team.

Ana Calderon

Vineyard | Tasting Room

Ana Calderon – whether serving customers in the tasting room or working in the vineyard, her competence and loyalty are unparalleled.

Andrea Barriga

Vineyard | Tasting Room

Andrea Barriga follows in her parents footsteps and we have watched her grow into a confident young lady. She does it all – tasting room, vineyard and winery!!

Al Fox

Handyman | “The Nose that Knows”

A jack of all trades, Al’s thumbprint can be found everywhere across the grounds. In 2006, Al helped with the Stonums’ very first crush as novice winemakers, and has participated in every crush since. A heightened olfactory sense for the most obscure aromas has earned him the nickname “The Nose that Knows” and his descriptions can often be found on the wine tasting notes. Also gifted with a green thumb, Al has most recently taken on the task of managing the on-site orchard.

Christopher Dasalio

Assistant Winemaker | Cellar Master

Chris began working at Stonum Vineyards in 2014. Chris was involved in the construction of the winery from 2009-2011. He and his brother, Charles, hand carried and placed each bolder to create the walls of the natural pond, a focal point of the winery landscape. Highly motivated, Chris began showing interest in learning about grape growing and making wine. Instilled with a strong work ethic and an eagerness to learn, Chris has risen to Assistant Winemaker and Cellar Master

Christopher Stonum

Vineyard Operations | Organic Garden Developer | Manager

Chris brings a growing passion for sustainable agriculture and winemaking. A graduate of University of Oregon, he worked as a chemist at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and a fisheries biologist throughout Alaska, Hawaii, Montana and California before securing a job as an environmental scientist with the Department of Pesticide Regulation- landing him back in the San Joaquin Valley. He now splits his time between Sacramento and the ranch, where he is committed to continuing Stonum’s pioneering practices. If you find him wandering the estate talk to him about surfing, fermentation, soil health or anything else related to science and the outdoors!

Brian Kerney

Grounds/Garden Developer

Nicknamed the “upgrader”, Brian works to beautify the grounds and develops garden projects for the ever-evolving Stonum Garden. If there’s a weed on the premises, Brian will pull it.