About Us

​Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Ken pursued his education in Viticulture at the Napa Valley College in the 1980s, where he had the privilege of learning under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Krebs. This invaluable mentorship laid the foundation for Ken’s deep understanding of vineyard management and the art of cultivating exceptional grapes.

​As Ken’s expertise grew, so did his desire to give back to the viticulture community. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he became a partner to the NVCC Viticulture and Winery program, where he opened the doors of his own vineyard to aspiring students. Through hands-on vineyard training, he shared his knowledge and passion, nurturing the next generation of winemakers and grape growers.

​Beyond the world of grapes, Ken’s diverse interests showcase his zest for life. When he’s not tending to the vines, you can find him immersed in his garden, cultivating a vibrant oasis of exotic roses. His love for restoration extends to antique pinball and slot machines, where he skillfully breathes new life into these nostalgic treasures. His passion for slots led him to launch Napa Slot Machines. And let’s not forget his passion for classic cars, which provides him with an outlet for his mechanical prowess and appreciation for timeless beauty.

​Ken Nerlove embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner, a visionary, and a guardian of tradition. His unwavering commitment to viticulture, coupled with his dedication to passing on his knowledge, has made an indelible mark on the Napa Valley community. Through his endeavors, he continues to shape the future of grape growing, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

​Elise’s initial foray into the wine industry began at Gloria Ferrer, where her affinity for sparkling wine blossomed. In 2018 she embarked on a transformative vineyard and cellar internship with famed Pinot Noir house, Failla, in North Napa Valley.

​Today, Elise proudly carries the torch for Elkhorn Peak Cellars. As the manager of the Elkhorn Peak Wine Club, she fosters a vibrant community of wine enthusiasts while ensuring exceptional experiences for members. Elise also spearheads marketing and sales efforts, sharing the story and wines of Elkhorn Peak with a wider audience.

Working side by side with her father in the vineyard, Elise embraces the hard work and nuance of grape growing, tending to the vines that form the heart of their wines. Come harvest, she takes the lead in the cellar, guiding the winemaking process from grape to bottle. Elise is dedicated to preserving Elkhorn Peak’s signature style—but she’s also not afraid to push boundaries. With an eye on emerging wine trends, she’s introduced fresh, exciting additions to the lineup, including Pet-Nats, White Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.

​In her spare time, Elise’s commitment to community and the preservation of agricultural heritage remains steadfast. Through her involvement with Save the Family Farms, she fights ardently to secure a sustainable future for small-scale farmers, ensuring their voices are heard and their traditions endure.

​With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for organization, Faith keeps our financial matters in order, ensuring that Elkhorn Peak runs seamlessly.

​During the bustling harvest season, Faith’s presence can be felt as she eagerly lends a helping hand. Whether it’s pulling nets in the field or ensuring everyone’s fed, her dedication knows no bounds. Those fortunate enough to taste her incredible sandwiches during these busy times are in for a treat.

​Beyond her contributions to the family business, Faith finds joy in spending time with her beloved grandchildren and taking leisurely evening walks through the vineyard. These tranquil moments allow her to savor the beauty of the surroundings and further deepen her connection to the land.

​Prior to dedicating herself full-time to the family business, Faith worked at Napa Valley Unified School District’s Technology Department.

​Faith was born and raised in Long Island, New York. She brings a vibrant mix of East Coast spirit and West Coast sensibility to her work. Her unwavering dedication, attention to detail, and nurturing nature make her an integral part of the Elkhorn Peak team.

​From an early age, Lucas demonstrated an innate understanding of the region’s natural beauty, and his desire to create extraordinary outdoor spaces led him to establish Valley Yard Works in 2018.

What initially began as a landscaping and turf installation venture quickly evolved into a comprehensive enterprise dedicated to crafting remarkable outdoor retreats. Lucas and his team are driven by a shared commitment of meticulous attention to detail and unwavering craftsmanship. Their mission is to transform ordinary spaces into resort-quality landscapes that not only accentuate the inherent splendor of the surroundings but also serve as tranquil havens of luxury for their clients.

​During the bustling spring months, Lucas lends a hand in the family vineyards too. His expertise in landscape construction and hands-on approach to problem solving is a tremendous asset to Elkhorn Peak. Usually seen behind the wheel of his mini excavator, Lucas skillfully maneuvers around our south Napa terrain, helping us with estate management and transport of many tons of grapes.

​Growing up off the grid amidst nature’s abundance, Maiel honed his skills in organic farming, food cultivation, and land management from an early age. His immersion in this unique environment nurtured his understanding of ecological balance and the importance of responsible stewardship. Maiel’s commitment to environmental restoration led him to volunteer for a dedicated watershed restoration team, working to restore old logging roads to their natural state in Humboldt County, and accelerating ecological recovery in the area.

​Maiel pursued an education at Butte College, where he earned an Associate degree in Agricultural Science. Armed with this solid foundation, he embarked on a career path as a Farm Manager at a Cannabis Farm in Oregon.

​In 2021, the allure of Napa Valley beckoned Maiel, and he seized an opportunity to work as a Culinary Gardener at the world-renowned French Laundry restaurant, owned by the acclaimed Thomas Keller. Here, he immersed himself in the art of cultivating exquisite ingredients, enriching his knowledge and expanding his culinary perspective.

​Harvest 2022 brought Maiel to Elkhorn Peak, as a tractor operator. Assisting with the harvest was a natural fit for Maiel, and he instantly bonded with the Elkhorn Peak team. That one harvest turned into a full-time gig. Now, Maiel proudly serves as the primary tractor operator at Elkhorn Peak, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the vineyard operations.