Carmen and Perri are Sonoma County winegrowers and vintners with over 20 years of
experience in the region. They met while attending Warren Wilson College in the early
1980s, beginning a partnership that spans over four decades in the wine industry.
Carmen’s career began in wine sales in Asheville right after graduation. Over the next 40
years, he held executive leadership roles with Beringer Blass Wine Estates and Rodney
Strong Vineyards, retiring as President of Rodney Strong in 2024. His career involved
extensive travel to major wine regions across Europe, Australia, and South America. He
continues to serve as a Senior Board Member for Rodney Strong and an Executive Board
Member for the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. He also served on the
Warren Wilson College Board of Trustees for 12 years.
Perri began her wine career 20 years ago when the couple purchased a boutique Pinot
Noir vineyard in Sonoma County. As the Winegrower and Winemaker for PerriJaye
Vineyards, she earned a Viticulture Certificate and built an award-winning portfolio. Her
wines have received multiple Double Gold medals at competitions including the San
Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the International Female Winemakers
Competition.
Today, Carmen and Perri manage their Sonoma County wine estate and host group travel
experiences. They look forward to sharing their industry insights, global travel
background, and wine expertise with you on this upcoming journey.