Patti Chambers

Owner

Patti is the owner and, Chair of the Board, of Lambert Bridge Winery. She has shaped Lambert Bridge over the last 25 years to become what it is today - a charming, welcoming and warm place that produces the highest quality wines.

Patti is a very happy and proud mother and grandmother. In addition to the pride she has in her family and Lambert Bridge, Patti has been a leader in some of the most important charitable undertakings in New Jersey, her "second" home state.

Patti spends a great deal of her time guiding the PG Chambers School, an educational setting for children with disabilities. She said that "the PG Chambers School inspires us to provide the best special education and therapy to allow our children to reach their unique potential." In addition, Patti has been a founding member of the Boards of the Women's Association of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Branch Brook Park Conservancy.

"Lambert Bridge Winery is the most enjoyable and most beautiful place my family and I have ever encountered. Our time here is truly transformative."

Michael Gilfillan

President + CEO

"Lambert Bridge has become my home away from home. When I walk on the property, I feel the same sense of family and community that our members experience."

After a successful career on Wall Street and in Sports Management, Mike merged his background in finance with his love of wine. Although an East Coast native, he has found a second home at Lambert Bridge. It is one that perfectly blends the family with the art of winemaking amidst the rustic beauty of the Dry Creek Valley. Mike seeks the perfect combination of local winemaking and collaboration as he hopes to create a positive environment that brings forth innovation and growth.

When not at the winery or rooting for his favorite sports teams, you can often find Mike on the slopes in Steamboat, Colorado. He loves spending time with his wife and four children, as well as his two Bernedoodles.

210811 DestauratedMatte LambertBridge Holiday5078

Jennifer Higgins

Vice President, Winemaker + General Manager

"Our wines are uncorked out in the world and brought into important milestones and moments in people’s lives….. To walk around the tasting room and have our guests tell me what our wines mean to them is the ultimate reward. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Once you're at a great place you never want to leave.”

Born and raised in Sonoma County, Jennifer Higgins immersed herself in winemaking while working with the legendary Zelma Long of Simi Winery. After earning a degree from UC Davis in Biochemistry, Jennifer worked in Italy for two years before returning home to take a tasting room job as she studied for her medical school entrance exam. Before long, Jennifer abandoned her aspirations for medicine and dove into the cellar, learning the artistic complexities of the winemaking process from Zelma and her team.

Jennifer took on her first official production role working with Jill Davis at William Hill Winery in Napa Valley. During this time, she worked tirelessly, learning the ropes at a large Napa Valley winery prior to her eleven-year tenure at Lancaster Estate where she collaborated often with the iconic winemaking consultant David Ramey.

In early 2010, Jennifer joined Lambert Bridge and the rest is history. During the past decade, she has crafted the “LB style” - wines that are distinctive, elegant and built for long term cellar aging. Jennifer’s fervor and passion is infectious - her commitment to excellence unwavering; her life’s passion is demonstrated in every bottle of Lambert Bridge.

Shelby Kolpin

Membership Manager

“I can’t believe that I’ve worked at Lambert Bridge for 20 years – there’s never been a dull moment! I’ve become friends with so many amazing Liquid Assets Members that work sometimes feels more like play. Should I feel guilty about that?”

Membership Manager Shelby runs the ever-growing Liquid Assets Membership and is a well-known and loved by our members. In addition to entertaining members in VIP style and coordinating each successful allocation release, she plays a major role in overall team management and strategic planning.

Shelby is always in motion. Whether braving boot camp workouts in the wee hours, paddling on the river, cooking wood-fired pizza with her chef-husband in their Healdsburg backyard, or chairing fundraising events for her daughter’s school – Shelby is a true force of nature!

Nicole Penney

Hospitality Manager

A native of Sonoma County born and raised in Windsor, Nicole has watched the wine and hospitality industry grow around her. It is no surprise she found her career in hospitality at a young age! With over 15 years of direct experience in high-end, luxury brand representation, Nicole has flourished in multiple hospitality and management roles in both the wine industry and private club world. Nicole's genuine passion for anything wine related, as well as her desire to create memorable guest experiences has led her to Lambert Bridge. She couldn't be more excited to be a part of the team!

When not at work, you can find her at a sporting event cheering on her two daughters, Desea and Nadiya, planning the next family adventure, or sharing a meal (glass of wine in hand, of course!) with her husband, Mike.

Lisa Bruich

Associate Winemaker

"Lambert Bridge captures the essence of everything that drew me to Sonoma in the first place – the opportunity to work with a myriad of varietals sourced from diverse vineyards all across the county while surrounded and supported by an amazing community. I love the camaraderie of winemaking, the continuous learning year in and year out, and the satisfaction of sharing a bottle I made with family and friends."

A southern California native, Lisa ventured to Boston College for her undergrad degree and spent close to a decade working as a communications consultant in Boston & New York before catching the wine bug. After making her way back to California to study enology at Fresno State, she spent time in New Zealand working in Martinborough and Marlborough before landing in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Although she fell in love with the grapes in Oregon, her enthusiasm did not extend to the weather, and she found the Sonoma sunshine calling. We feel so fortunate to have Lisa as part of our winemaking team!

Amy Vail

Concierge + Wine Educator

Hospitality is in Amy’s DNA and it shows! She was raised in the Sonoma County world of food and wine with her father being a professional restaurant manager. She traveled the world and lived abroad before graduating from UC Santa Barbara and eventually settling back into Sonoma County with her husband and two children in tow. Amy decided to change focus from event catering to wine and we are so glad she did! In her free time, Amy loves exploring Sonoma County with her family, working in her garden, and enjoying a beautiful glass of wine!

LAURIE PAUL

Controller

“Lambert Bridge is such a special place, and for me, it’s like coming home. The beautiful setting, warm welcome, great friends and exquisite wine inspire me to be my best every day.”

With 23 years of accounting experience, Laurie is a fabulous, self-acclaimed “numbers gal.” After working in manufacturing, she started in the wine business – “which is ever so much more fun” – in 2013 and never looked back.

Outside her whizzing world of numbers, Laurie’s passions include travel, food, and killer wine! Having been to Europe six times and wanting to visit more, her travels have taught her how to be absolutely fearless. Her first trip was to Ireland where she learned to drive on the wrong side of the road, on the wrong side of the car, without a GPS, alone.

Lila Brown

Events Manager

“What I love most about wine is that it represents a time and a place. Each bottle can take you on a unique journey whether it’s somewhere you have been or maybe a place not yet ventured.”

Having grown up amongst the farms and vineyards of Sonoma County, Lila set out to travel the world in search of new tastes and experiences. Five years living along the shores of the Mediterranean nurtured her passion for all things food and wine and brought her full-circle back to Healdsburg — and Lambert Bridge!

When Lila is not planning our next big event, you can find her popping up at weddings with her vintage Shasta trailer, Vino A Go Go or teaching at The Daily Method.

Eric Laybourn

Junior Accountant

“I am so happy to be part of a close-knit team that loves everything about their work - the camaraderie, the location, and of course, the wine! I really believe you can taste the passion and feel the unique Lambert Bridge energy in every glass. As a newcomer to the area, I love that I feel like part of this family even outside of work. Ooh - and there’s not much I wouldn’t do for a glass of Rosé or Cuvée Blanc!”

Eric came to Lambert Bridge from his native hometown of San Diego as a 2019 Harvest Intern and never left! After working as an integral part of the production team as the Cellar Hand for three-and-a-half years, he transitioned to work in accounting, and is again an indispensable part of the team. We feel so fortunate to have him!

Eric loves to travel with his wife, Sarah, who also moved up from San Diego. Both foodies, they plan their trips around their meals. He loves to read and play video games in his quiet times, but Eric is no couch potato - he loves working out and snowboarding, too!

Beth Plumley

Assistant Membership Manager

“It’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to come to work every day. For me, Lambert Bridge offers a trifecta: top-caliber wines that I’m proud to represent, a gorgeous setting that inspires creativity, and a group of teammates I am proud to call friends.”

Our Assistant Membership Manager, Beth Plumley ignited her passion for wine while studying economics at UC Davis—taking classes in Viticulture and Enology and hanging out with her aspiring-winemaker friends. After a decade (or two) working in finance, Beth traded the beaches and boats of her hometown, Newport Beach, for the vines and wines of Sonoma County, turning her long-lived passion into her livelihood.

When not busy entertaining members at Lambert Bridge, Beth likes to frolic in vineyards with her two dogs and travel to exotic locations with her husband, exploring the world through wine and food.

Richard Butori

Handyman Extraordinaire

“I love coming to work at Lambert Bridge because I have such a wide variety of jobs to do here. Even after 20 years, every day is new and different!”

“Handyman” doesn’t begin to describe Richard’s role at Lambert Bridge. Whether he is repairing, cleaning, shipping, driving, advising, or even reporting on the Giants’ scores, Richard is involved in just about everything that goes on at the winery.

Self-described as a “professional tourist,” Richard loves to travel. A weekend never passes without Richard returning to work with his tales of adventure. When he is staying put, he grows and makes zinfandel on his Geyserville property.

JP Lonergan

Estate Sommelier

“Whenever I taste an incredible wine there is an instant of discovery that I call the OMG moment. As Estate Sommelier, I try to make those moments possible for the people I serve.”

JP Lonergan spent six years as the owner-operator of a trendy wine bar in Lake Tahoe. He is a CMS Certified Sommelier and earned a Certificate in the Sequential Program in Vintage at UCLA Extension. His wine knowledge is vast but he is the first to say that means very little without a passion for all things wine. “Knowledge is great but it’s just a tool. It’s your passion that gets people’s attention.”

When JP wants to "get away from it all", he plans wine tasting excursions for groups as their Somm for the day!

Stefanie Nourse

Wine Educator

"Lambert Bridge is a wonderful place to work. The location and setting are awe-inspiring. I work with a great team and we collaborate beautifully. It’s truly a pleasure to work for a winery that is so focused on producing a high quality product. I find joy in sharing my knowledge while being a part of our clients’ memories"

Stefanie Nourse has been serving the Sonoma County wine industry for 20 years. Prior to joining Lambert Bridge, her experience in hospitality included J Vineyards & Winery and Lasseter Family Winery, among others.

Born and raised in Santa Rosa, she credits her Italian heritage for spearheading her career. It was the delightful aroma of simple meals, lovingly prepared by her Italian grandmother in a kitchen filled with conversation, laughter, family and friends, all around a farmhouse table where wine was always an essential component of the meal.

Her passion and enthusiasm for wine is contagious. Spend time with her at the winery tasting the distinctive Lambert Bridge wines and it’s impossible not to have her bubbly personality rub off on you.

When not at the winery, you’ll find Stefanie tending to her garden, cooking for friends and family, or teaching Italian to students ranging in age from 5 to 95!

Kathy Salisbury

Assistant Hospitality Manager

“I have always had a deep appreciation for the beauty of Sonoma County and the gifts the land provides. I feel so fortunate to work for Lambert Bridge, where excellence & passion drive the team!”

Kathy moved to Sebastopol with her family at the age of ten. She has fond memories of playing in the river, riding horses through the orchards, and of course, raking apples after school.

After graduating from Chico State with a degree in Community/Commercial Recreation, emphasis in Resort & Lodging Management, she moved to Sequoia National Forest to manage an all-inclusive, year-round lodge and summer vacation camp. While the mountains were her refuge and playground for six years, she was drawn back to Sonoma County to pursue new opportunities in and out of the hospitality industry.

Kathy raised her three daughters, Abigail, Bridget & Hannah on a vineyard property, where they immersed themselves in the growing and harvest activities happening all around them. Dirty hands and boots were welcome in their household! Little did Kathy know that she would eventually find her professional home just up the road… right here with us!

Michele Ferretti

Wine Educator

“I love the beautiful people, wine, and atmosphere that Sonoma County creates. This experience fills my heart and soul with love and hope as the family I create and community I expand connect with me through food and wine. In short, I love working at Lambert Bridge!”

Monday through Friday, Michele works as a wonderful Transitional Kindergarten Teacher at Sonoma Country Day. On the weekend she can be found right here in our beautiful tasting room pursuing her passion of wine and connection with guests that are her own age! Michele has been with Lambert Bridge for many years, assisting with special events, and recently shifted to a more permanent position in our Tasting Room as a Wine Educator. As such, her bright personality, love of wine, food, and everything Sonoma County shine — if you weren’t already sold on the area, Michele will have you moving here within the span of a conversation.

When not with little ones or at the winery, Michele loves to sit on her porch with a glass of wine, and chat with her two daughters, both of whom are in school up in Oregon. She also relishes spending time with family and friends in the area.

Harrison Rose

Wine Educator

“I love working with the enthusiastic and passionate people here at Lambert Bridge. The people, wines, events, and members here are truly amazing. I wake up excited to go to work every day!”

Born and raised in Sonoma County, Harrison never thought he’d end up working in the wine industry, but once he got a taste, he never looked back! Starting out his wine career at Schug Winery in Sonoma, he quickly discovered his passion for sharing genuine experiences with guests, and developed a deep appreciation for the quality that comes from small scale wine productions. It was that same appreciation for a quality focused winery that led him straight to Lambert Bridge after 6 years at Schug – we are so thrilled to have him as part of our team!

When not providing our guests with a fun and authentic experience in our Tasting Room, Harrison loves to play music and go to live shows with his friends.

Erin Hanahoe

Wine Educator

"Lambert Bridge combines everything I love about wine - science, enthusiasm, passion and bringing people together to enjoy the moment on this amazing property. I am excited about my future with such an amazing company!"

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Erin grew up sailing with her family and developed a deep love for the ocean which led her to a career in Biology working with marine mammals in rescue, rehabilitation, training, and research in California and Hawaii. After moving back to California from Hawaii, Erin started working in events and hospitality for Lambert Bridge Winery. A wine enthusiast, she decided to make the transition from "whales to wine" and has been assisting Lambert Bridge events since 2016!

Erin helps out all over the winery - from hosting groups, packing shipping orders, aiding in events and, most recently, as a harvest intern grape sampler for our latest vintage. We look forward to you experiencing Erin's infections laugh + smile during your next tasting!

Mariko Morikawa

Administrative Coordinator

“I sometimes get teased that I drink so little wine even though I work for such a wonderful winery. Lambert Bridge is a perfect place for me, not only because I am proud of our product, but because I work for a family that I admire and respect, the Chambers family.”

Mariko is the stealthy superhero of Lambert Bridge. She may appear to be quiet and unassuming but looks deceive: Mariko keeps the business running as our Administrative Coordinator and saves the day as our resident I.T. expert should office equipment or computer systems fail.

When not rescuing us, Mariko spends time with her grandson Giovanni, cruises the backroads of Sonoma County in her convertible Miata, and enjoys the bounty of fresh Sonoma County cuisine with likeminded foodies.

Bella Scribner

Membership + Logistics Coordinator

“Every day I wake up I feel grateful to live in such a beautiful area of the world, to be close to my loving family, and work at a place that feels like a second home.”

A Sonoma County Native, Bella has a deep loyalty and love for all things local! After coming back to the area once her studies ended in Southern California, she found Lambert Bridge and fell in love. A project enthusiast, Bella works hard behind the scenes to make sure all your packages of wine are delivered safely - you can always find her running around the winery on a mission! Whether it is talking with customers, coordinating with a shipping company, packing boxes, working on spreadsheets, or organizing, you will always find a smile on her face!

Coming from a large family, Bella loves spending time with her siblings that live in the area, and is an ardent board-game-player. She also enjoys drawing, working out, and wine tasting with friends!

Maureen Flaherty

Wine Educator

Maureen first worked at Lambert Bridge from 1995 to 1997 and has worked in all aspects of the wine business ever since. The bulk of her career was spent in wine sales, traveling and selling wine to wholesale restaurant and retail accounts. She brings her vast wine knowledge back to Lambert Bridge as a Wine Educator as she enjoys sharing her stories with members and guests. Maureen is a fantastic baker and the whole Lambert Bridge team indulges in her treats on a regular basis!

Kurtis Pavilionis

Wine Educator

Kurtis grew up in Reno and feels most at home in the mountains and outdoors. He developed a love for the wine industry while earning his marketing degree at UNR and, once graduated, moved to Sonoma County to pursue his professional dreams. Kurtis is always on the lookout for new wines and exotic foods to bring to his table. He also enjoys traveling and new experiences to constantly expand his horizons.