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The Family
Our winery is made up of people, vineyards and relationships.
 Chris Sparkman, Dad, Winemaker and Head Janitor, spent a couple of decades as sommelier and wine buyer in some of the U.S.'s best restaurants: from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Michael’s in LA, Todd English’s Olives in DC and Mackay Restaurants in Seattle. His Personal Management Team is headed by Stella Mae and Ruby Leigh.
 Kelly Sparkman, Mom, Controller and Assistant Winemaker comes from a wildlife biology background and as wildlife biologist, worked in Spotted Owl, Peregrine Falcon and Salmon restoration programs and later as a veterinary technician in Seattle. Her magnum opus is her role as Chief Developer of Stella Mae and Ruby Leigh.
 Stella Mae is Reading Director and a promising singer who is keenly aware that wine is for Mommies and Daddies, and that apple juice is better for you. She is kickin' butt at second grade stuff, ballet, tapdancing, gymnastics and piano!
 Ruby Leigh is Chief Mischiefmaker and Chocolate Thief. She is a big fan of making messes and is destined for life as a mountaineer, explorer and forklift operator. She is in kindergarten and is also a talented ballet dancer, artist, gymnast and dreamer of dreams.
 Bryan Keay joined the Sparkman family early on as a volunteer while working with Chris at Waterfront Seafood Grill. His frequent travels and love of wine brought him to many fine restaurants and he earned his sommelier certification in 2007 despite the fact that testing was held in Las Vegas.
 Philip Baker also joined the Sparkman Family while at the Waterfront, where he also earned his sommelier certificate. Phil is now at Michael Mina's new Seattle restaurant RN74 and as always, is deeply committed to his kids, Harley and Devin.
 Erica Orr is Consulting Enologist and Educator. She has worked at wineries in Napa Valley (Cain and Rudd), Burgundy (Dujac), and Australia (Yering Station). Since 2005 she has been making wine in Washington State (Matthews, Mark Ryan, Baer). In addition to a master's degree in enology from UC Davis, Erica has a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from UC Berkeley. She knows a lot of stuff.
 Dick “Pop” Nauman is Chief Reality Officer and Assistant Winemaker, in charge of 6 am punchdowns and Tough Financial Questions, as well as many Answers…The Outlaw Merlot was made as a tip of the cap to the guy who got the ball rolling with his idea of a family business.
 Sarah “Baba” Nauman is Chief Harvest Childcare Director, tirelessly assisting in helping Kelly and Chris get Things done.
 Pat “Gaga” Sparkman is Co-Director of Southern Operations in Tennessee, with a specialized focus on vegetarian culinary development and grandchildren relationships.
 Frank “Papa” Sparkman is also Co-Director of Southern Operations in Tennessee. Our future winery layout is knocking around in his head, waiting for a good pencil. He and wife Pat serve on the Tough Financial Questions and Answers Board.
 Lola is our loyal and trusted winery dog, in charge of security and scraps.
Why we did this:
Inspired by the birth of our first daughter Stella Mae, we decided we wanted to have a life that is focused on our family. Having just become new parents, Kelly and I took some time to think about what our priorities and goals were, and how to attain those goals. Our top priority was to be parents who were always there for our children. We wanted to have a relationship with the earth, one we can share with our kids. We wanted to teach giving through doing. We wanted to have more control over our time (yeah right!). After plenty of family conversation, we decided that a winery made sense. We had important relationships with growers and winemakers, many who have become great friends. With all that support, and even more from our parents, we started our little winery in 2004, the year Stella Mae was born. Our style produces artisan handcrafted award-winning wines, some of them highly sought after. We are blessed to work with some of the best vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. We also want to contribute to our community and to causes that resonate with our family. In the future we hope to be known for the outlandish things we do in far away sunny places.
Here's to your sunny places,
The Sparkman Family
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