Hospitality

Meet the Team

Director of Hospitality, Heather Lane

Heather HolkoOriginally from Marin County, Hospitality Director Heather Lane moved to the Central Coast like many young people to attend school and soak in all the area had to offer. It was during her first quarter at California Polytechnic State University that she signed up for Viticulture 1, taught by Dr. Keith Patterson. She instantaneously fell in love with the idea of viticulture and still today is fascinated by the entire journey a single grape takes to make a bottle of wine.

She decided after that first course that a minor in Wine and Viticulture would be a wonderful compliment to her Agricultural Business major and received her degree in June, 2008. Having worked in various positions for Justin Vineyard and Winery, Salisbury Vineyards and Bianchi Winery, Heather continued to expand her knowledge of the wine world, the local industry and the art of hospitality. So when Heather joined our team in early 2010, we welcomed her knowledge, friendly personality and unbelievable enthusiasm for wine with open arms.

Heather lives in Morro Bay with her husband. They spend their free time on the Central Coast's beautiful coastline by spear fishing, sport fishing or scuba diving together.

Got a question for Heather? Send an email or give her a call: 805.226.4882.

Wine Club & Direct Sales Coordinator, Alicia Wooten

Alicia Wooten is a valued direct sales and hospitality team member at Niner Wine Estates. She began working for Niner Wine Estates as a tasting room attendant in February 2010, just a few short months after the Hospitality Center’s Grand Opening in 2009.  Alicia’s vibrant and friendly personality shined in the tasting room, so when it was time to hire a customer administrator for our sales team, she was quickly chosen for this role.  Soon after, our hospitality and direct sales team experienced major growth and Alicia was promoted to Wine Club and Direct Sales Coordinator in June 2012.

When asked about Niner Wine Estates, Alicia says, “I love the fact that Niner had a vision of being an educational winery, a place where people could go to learn about wine and food.”  It was this mission coupled with Alicia’s love for education that brought her to Niner Wine Estates.  Alicia worked in education as a Paso Robles substitute teacher for six years, after receiving her Social Sciences Degree from San Jose State University and her Multiple Subject Credential from Chapman University.

At Niner Wine Estates, Alicia plays a vital role in our direct-to-consumer sales outreach and acts as the go-to person for all CLUB 9 member queries. More often than not, she is the friendly voice you hear on the other end of the telephone!

Alicia lives in Paso Robles with her husband, Brad, and their two children, Jake and Hannah.  Alicia enjoys spending time with her family on the weekends and loves discovering at least one new and inviting Paso Robles winery each month.

Got a question for Alicia? Send an email or give her a call: 805.226.4886.

The Niner Wine Estates Tasting Room Staff

In early 2010 our team set out to find a solid, highly qualified and enthusiastic group of wine lovers to assist in the operation of our new Hospitality Center. The team compiled combines their varying levels of experience with a passion for wine, food, and this community to bring you, our guests, a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience.