Our Team

Jan Krupp 
Founder

An oenophile with a green thumb, Jan was a hobby winemaker and suburban farmer in the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years. Though a full-time doctor, in his spare time, he grew everything from green beans to gooseberries and produced beautiful wines, using his driveway and basement as a makeshift winery.

While still a full-time doctor Jan moved to Napa in 1991, to start growing things on a larger scale - beginning with a 41-acre vineyard around his new home. With his brother Bart, he would develop two more vineyards, including the iconic Stagecoach Vineyard. In 1998, he sold his medical practice and the following year, Bart and Jan founded the winery.
 

Bart Krupp
Founder

Bart was in his early 20s when his older brother Jan would return to New Jersey to visit his family with magnificent California wines in tow. As Bart began to become more knowledgeable, he would seek out European wines – which were then much more prevalent than California wines on the east coast – for his brother to try.

Together, the two developed their palates, broadened their knowledge and strengthened their brotherly bond. Bart's wise counsel and support have been crucial to the success of the vineyards and Krupp Brothers. Bart passed away in 2024.

Desiree O’Donovan
Winemaker

Raised in the California Wine Country, Desiree O’Donovan was studying for a career in dentistry when a part-time job at a local winery opened her eyes to her true passion. 

After completing internships at several notable local wineries, she began her career at a Napa custom crush facility, where she became the Assistant Winemaker. There she had the opportunity to learn different winemaking styles and work with many boutique wineries, including Krupp Brothers. Impressed by her talent and dedication, Desiree was one of Dr. Krupp's first hires when Krupp Brothers had the opportunity to move to its own winery facility.

 

Sandy Huffine
Executive Vice President

Sandy travels from her home in Dallas throughout the country, imparting her passion for food and wine and sharing the story of Krupp Brothers. With her boundless energy, huge smile and personality to match, her favorite part of the job is meeting people from different walks of life who are passionate about what they do. Her energy inspires people everywhere.

Sandy has more than 20 years experience in the wine, food and hospitality industry. While overseeing the Fine Wine portfolio for Republic Beverage Company in Texas, she was introduced to Krupp Brothers wines and met Joshua and Jan Krupp.

 

 

Alma Ambrose
Estate Manager

After more than 13 years’ working in the Los Angeles food scene, Alma decided to marry her two passions – food & wine. She graduated from the North American Sommelier Association as a Silver Pin Sommelier in 2017 and began working in the Napa wine scene. She has collaborated with some of the regions’ top chefs to create food pairings across a wide spectrum of wine varietals. Her passion is to delight her customers with unique and exceptional food and wine tasting experiences. 

Over the years, Alma has hosted hundreds of tasting events. Previously Estate Director for Krupp Brothers Winery, Alma has returned to the Krupp Brothers family to host tasting experiences at the estate and beyond, with private events across the country.

 

Fredrick Umfress
Tasting Room Manager

With a vivacious personality and a love for entertaining others, Fredrick always knew he wanted to pursue a career in hospitality. Born and raised in the Bay Area (with brief stints in England and Texas as an Air Force kid), he was brought up with an appreciation of food through his Italian heritage.

When not crafting one-of-a-kind experiences for guests, Fredrick can be found at home continuing his wine education, playing old records and spending time with his family.

 

Nikki Lincoln
Director of Hospitality & Regional Sales Manager 

Nikki wears two hats for Krupp Brothers. As our concierge extraordinare, she provides guests with unforgettable tasting experiences. She loves to share her intimate knowledge of the vineyard and winemaking with guests. Her authenticity, passion and kindness are infectious.

As our regional sales manager, she also brings Krupp Brothers to restaurants, shops and wine lovers throughout the west coast! A Napa native, she was practically born with a wine glass in her hand and she loves that her job is to share some of the valley's finest wine with others.

 

Sarah Krupp
Wine Club & Communications Manager

What Sarah loves most about being part of her family’s business is the passion that goes into every bottle. Knowing that each vintage was painstakingly crafted, sparing no expense, gives her great pride in sharing the Krupp Brothers story and wine. As the wine club and communications Manager, she sees her role as not only sharing Krupp Brothers with those who love the wine as much as she does, but also making sure that every club member experience is as exceptional as the wine we make.

Vicente Barrera
Cellar Master

Vicente migrated from Mexico when he was 18 and began working in the vineyards. Always interested in winemaking, in the early 2000s, he started in production. While working at a custom crush winery, our winemaker noticed his talents and ensured he became part of the Krupp Brothers team. 

Vicente excels at winery work and facility management. He also has a mechanical ability that keeps our equipment and facility in top shape. A talented grill master, he spearheads company BBQs and keeps the cellar rocking with his music playlists.