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
Desiree O’Donovan is a rising star in the world of winemaking. Working for some of the finest tenured winemakers in the Napa Valley, Desiree spent years honing her unique abilities.
Raised in California wine country, she is dedicated to the science and art of winemaking. Her experience with dozens of winemakers and wineries gives her rare insight into a multitude of different styles, techniques and grape varietals. Desiree pays careful attention to the source of the wine, observing the vineyard blocks closely. She has the rare gift of a remarkable palate memory for the effect of barrels, yeasts, and blends, which helps her to create exquisite wines time and time again.
Sandy Huffine
Executive Vice President
For over 20 years, Sandy has been instrumental in the success of Krupp Brothers, bringing its exceptional wines to top restaurants and retailers across the country and beyond. With a deep passion for food, wine, and storytelling, she thrives on sharing the rich history of Krupp Brothers with enthusiasts everywhere.
Sandy's journey with Krupp Brothers began while managing the Fine Wine portfolio for Republic Beverage Company in Texas. Her infectious energy, warm personality, and love for connecting with people make her a true ambassador for the brand.
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.
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.
Michael Ingellis
Tasting Room Manager
While studying Athletic Training in college, Michael began working in restaurants. He later moved from the East Coast to the Bay Area to brew beer at Gordon Biersch, before returning to restaurants to work with Cindy Pawlycn at Napa Valley’s Mustards Grill and her other acclaimed establishments.
Alongside his wife Jennifer, he managed Pawlycn’s restaurants and curated their wine lists. His passion for wine led him to transition to oversee tasting rooms and sales for several Napa family wineries before finding his home at Krupp Brothers Tasting Room.
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.
Julie Buckley
Sales Associate
As a lifelong enthusiast of wine and food, Julie transitioned from a distinguished career in telecommunications to follow her bliss. With roots in the Salinas Valley, where her family has cultivated land for generations, she has a deep connection to agriculture. When not sharing the Krupp Brothers story at the Estate and downtown Tasting Room, you will find her soaking up knowledge about grape growing and winemaking.