Meet the Sierra Vista Team
Jim Czachorowki
Owner
Jim, his wife Sherry and daughter Savanna are incredibly excited to be the new owners of Sierra Vista. Jim & Sherry have dreamed of owning a vineyard since their first trip to Tuscany back in the early 2000s. Jim built and grew a commercial tile company called Great Lakes Tile & Contracting into one of the most successful and respected tile contracting companies in Michigan. Prior to being in the tile business, he spent 12 years working at General Motors World Technical Center as a Journeyman Wood Model Maker, building patterns and models for prototype vehicles. He was also very fortunate to grow up with a father that was a mentor and best friend. Together with Jim’s brother Bob, the three of them restored many old cars, fixed and built everything around the home and work together in the plastic injection molding trade for some time.
Coming into the wine business is a new venture for Jim and his family, but pride, passion, tenacity, and hard work are nothing new to him. His personality traits and business sense are what drives success, teamwork, camaraderie and customer experience. When not being involved in the business side of things, Jim enjoys time spent with family especially their 15-year daughter Savanna who models, acts, plays piano and violin, and successfully competes in pageants.
Ryan Wright
WINEMAKER
Ryan was born and raised in Placerville. While pursuing a degree in Forestry, at the age of 22, he began working part time at a winery. He began on the sales side, then quickly shifted into the cellar, and a few years later he became the assistant winemaker. In this position he began to develop and explore his own winemaking style- with opportunities each year to make one or two of his own wines. Having an insatiable appetite for knowledge in all things wine making- he considers himself a constant student of the industry. His passion for winemaking is only rivaled by his love for vineyard care and management. So, if you can’t find him in the cellar- you are likely to find him on a tractor or in the vineyard.”
Natalie Potter
Marketing & Website Management
Natalie was born and raised in Shelby Township, Michigan. She graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She spent a few years working in the marketing field until she met Jim and started working at his other business, Great Lakes Tile, as an Estimator. When Jim purchased Sierra Vista, Natalie took on the Marketing role with her previous experience and began redesigning all of the new event flyers, website, marketing materials and updating social media.
When Natalie isn’t working she’s spending time raising her thirteen-year-old son who plays football, basketball and runs track and her seven-year-old daughter who cheers on a competitive team. Natalie’s multitasking abilities, organizational skills, and eye for detail are what makes her so great at her job.
Savannah Ray
Tasting Room & Events Manger
With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, I have had the pleasure of working in bartending, event coordination, event design, customer service, and more. I have a true passion for helping people have fun and ensuring that every event not only meets but exceeds expectations, from the smallest gatherings to large celebrations. Whether it’s picking the perfect wines or helping to organize the details of a special occasion, I truly enjoy being part of a team that makes every experience at Sierra Vista memorable and enjoyable. My love for connecting with people and creating seamless, fun moments is at the heart of everything I do! I hope to meet you soon!”
Tieren Salstrand
Tieren was born and raised in Placerville California before moving to LA for to get a degree in theater and performance. He utilizes his artistic skills in the kitchen alongside Chef Mike and will be coordinating some entertainment events here at the winery in the near future!
Hannah Lohan
Tasting Room Host
Born and raised in Placerville, California, I grew up on my family’s ranch, surrounded by animals and a tight-knit community. I love connecting with people, and truly enjoy having genuine conversations with our visitors at the winery.
My family has lived in this area for generations—so don’t be surprised if we discover a local connection or two! Being a part of this winery team has been such a great experience! While I’m still new to the wine industry, I’m eagerly learning and genuinely enjoy sharing everything I discover with our guests.
With a background in breeding, raising, and showing ranch animals—as well as years of experience grooming beloved pets—I’m always up for a good chat about farm life or your furry companions!
Tim Fifer
Tasting Room
Hello. I am Tim Fifer and live in Placerville with my beautiful wife. I’m retired from Southwest Airlines. I love working at Sierra Vista Winery and meeting new people. I also enjoy going to Tahoe and hanging out on the beach.
Lucy
Winery Cat
Lucy was a feral kitten who started hanging around the winery and eventually became an important team member. She sleeps inside at night and has food, water and a couple beds, but spends her days mostly roaming around the property keeping an eye on things. She is very friendly and enjoys attention and being pet. In her spare time she likes naps, hunting lizards and voles, and receiving treats for being a good cat!