Meet the Sierra Vista Team

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 11-year daughter Savanna who models, acts, plays piano and violin, and successfully competes in pageants.

Susan is a highly-respected winemaker in the industry with incredible senses and work-ethic. Susan has the same goal every day; to make the best wines we can with passion and pride to blow away our customers.

Because of Susan’s love of winemaker, you won’t only find her in production, but she spends time at pouring events inside and out of our Estate and enjoys mingling with customers who love to try our wine. Wine lovers are never disappointed with the wine that Susan helps create.

Maryann’s smiling familiar face is a joy to have around. She is the longest standing team member and has been at Sierra Vista for years.

Maryann is beloved by our guests and her colleagues because of her fun, cheerful and entertaining personality and her tireless effort to get things done whenever they are needed.

You’ll meet Maryann in the tasting room and around the property… always with a smile on her face.

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.

Lesina grew up in Northern California and attended the University of Nevada, Reno where she earned a degree in International Business with a focus in Marketing. She is an animal lover and spends time volunteering at animal rescue locations.

She is known for her positive attitude and great work ethic. Her friendly demeanor and smile make everyone happier when they are around her. Lesina is happy to be part of the Sierra Vista team and learn more about our wines here in the foothills. And Sierra Vista is very happy to have her as part of our staff.

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!