From family to legacy
I like to think that we, as a winery and a small family business, go well beyond a “casual acquaintance” with what we do. We’ve been at it for a long time—forty years, in fact. Between Michael, Julio, my father, Nathan, and myself, we have a combined 170 years of continuous involvement in these vineyards. That kind of legacy is something we’re proud of, and it shapes everything we do.
2nd Generation Owners
General Manager & Winemaker
Appointed Winemaker at Thomas Fogarty Winery in 2013 and promoted to General Manager in 2025, Nathan Kandler remains committed to the founders’ original vision: crafting wines that express the estate’s distinctive terroir, hallmark elegance, and character.
“Our coastal climate, high elevation, and rocky soils define our authentic, site-driven wines,” says Nathan. “I believe the Santa Cruz Mountains are the most compelling region in California to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”
Nathan began his journey at Thomas Fogarty in 2004, hired by founding winemaker Michael Martella. “Michael’s openness to experimentation allowed me to explore techniques like whole cluster fermentation, native yeast fermentation, and natural malolactic conversion,” Nathan recalls. These early experiences shaped his enduring philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar—one focused on preserving the integrity of the vineyard in every bottle.
“As the California wine industry matures, we’re increasingly recognizing the beauty of divergent terroirs,” he says. “I’m thrilled that more people are seeking wines that speak clearly of their origin, particularly those shaped by soil and climate.”
Deeply involved in every aspect of vineyard management, Nathan spends significant time among the vines, carefully managing row-by-row and using regenerative practices like cover crops and compost teas to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Though originally a political science major, Nathan’s path shifted dramatically when he left Ann Arbor, Michigan, for Santa Rosa, California, to study viticulture. He earned his B.S. in Enology from California State University, Fresno in 2003, a program known for its hands-on, practical approach.
Nathan lives on the Thomas Fogarty Estate with his wife, Marta, their daughters, Olivia and Brynn, and their loyal dog, Jasper. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys cycling, snowboarding, traveling, and coaching his daughters' basketball and softball teams.
Assistant Winemaker
Brad Friedman, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, was introduced to wine at a young age by his father Larry, who still works as the fine wine sales manager to RNDC Maryland to this day. Brad joined the production crew at Thomas Fogarty Winery in 2018 and has grown to oversee cellar operations, facilities management, and day-to-day production, working closely with Winegrower and General Manager Nathan Kandler on the estate’s farming and winemaking. Brad holds a master’s degree in Food Science & Technology from UC Davis and bachelors degrees in Biotechnology and Chemistry from Indiana University, where he also studied jazz performance for Drums. His winemaking experience includes positions held in Napa, Sonoma, Australia, Portugal, Austria, New Zealand, and South Africa, along with prior roles as Associate Winemaker at Big Basin Vineyards and Cellar Master at Ridge Monte Bello.
Cellar Master
Katie earned a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and worked in self-driving cars for six years before beginning her cellar career at Fogarty as a 2023 harvest intern. Since then (with the exception of an international harvest in Australia’s Yarra Valley), she has learned nearly everything she knows in the cellar under the mentorship of Nathan and Brad, whose guidance has been essential to her development. She has also completed WSET Level 3 as part of her continued studies in wine.
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations at Thomas Fogarty Winery, I oversee the day-to-day performance and long-term strategy that bring our wines from vineyard to glass. With a focus on efficiency, quality, and team leadership, I work closely with production, logistics, and hospitality to ensure every part of the business runs smoothly. My passion lies in blending operational excellence with the artistry of winemaking, helping to create memorable experiences for our guests and lasting value for our brand.
Membership Manager
Ali’s love for wine began while studying abroad in Italy’s Piedmont region, where she first connected with the traditions of food, wine, and community. That spark grew into nearly two decades of international experience, with roles in South Africa, Australia, and the U.S. - all focused on small-production, vineyard-driven wines. As Membership Manager, she is dedicated to fostering lasting relationships and sharing wines that reflect a true sense of place. Outside of work, Ali is a distance runner who enjoys gardening and spending time at the beach with her husband and two children.
Events Manager
Kristin Muller has a professional background in weddings and special events, as well as a deep love for wine that began after falling in love with the small, family-run wineries and Old Vine Zinfandels of Lodi, CA. She has gained work experience in a variety of settings, from assisting a wedding coordinator in San Clemente, CA, to serving as a sales consultant at Bright Event Rentals covering the greater San Francisco Bay Area. She has also worked as an event coordinator at Domenico Winery in San Carlos, CA and managed corporate events and incentive travel with MFactor Meetings. Now the Events Department Manager at Thomas Fogarty Winery, she combines her expertise in events with her love for wine and enjoys sharing the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains and exceptional wines of Thomas Fogarty and Lexington Wine Co. with wedding couples, corporate groups and private event clients.
Operations Manager
Julio has been with the winery since 1987 and has been developing the farming program ever since. Julio is a native of El Salvador and has been in agriculture his whole life.
Our Founders
Thomas Fogarty Winery was founded in 1978 with the planting of our first vineyard by two men whose complimentary personalities and skill sets allowed them as a team to turn a dream into reality. Dr Thomas Fogarty moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1969 to practice medicine at Stanford Hospital and develop medical device technology. Quickly he fell in love with the rugged terrain and natural beauty of the region and began to buy land surrounding his new home. By 1977 Fogarty had accumulated over 300 acres, and economic reality dictated that if he wanted to keep the land he would need to enter into an open space agreement and start an agricultural business. After considering several options (including Kiwi farming), Dr Fogarty was convinced by some older Stanford physicians to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the lean soil of the cool untested northern Santa Cruz Mountains. As he learned about grape growing and winemaking he was introduced to a number of people recommended to him as experts. Among this group was Michael Martella. Martella, a fourth generation grape grower, impressed with his knowledge and his down-to-earth approach to the entire process of wine growing, from the vineyard to the bottle. Michael became the first employee of Thomas Fogarty Winery in 1979 and directed the winery for almost thirty years, developing the vineyards and the wine. Martella’s practical knowledge and hard work along with Fogarty’s business instincts and “Midas touch” built, over nearly forty years, what we have today.
