Staff Feature: Catherine Miller, Guest Relations
Jessup Cellars has long empowered employees to be their own person, to be unapologetically authentic, to show up with a smile and let their personality shine in the tasting gallery. It’s one of the reasons that Jessup Cellars is recognized as one of the best wineries in Yountville. Our guests and members come to know our staff on a first name basis allowing a memorable and personable experience each time. For the last year our Yountville winery tasting room has been graced with another friendly face, our Guest Relations team member, Catherine Miller. Here’s some fun stories and insights about why Catherine loves where she lives and loves Jessup Cellars.
Originally from Long Beach, in Southern California, Catherine re-established roots to sunny Napa Valley. Having spent 21 years of her life in Napa, she safely considers Napa her hometown. A seasoned hospitality expert, Catherine has lived and breathed customer service, with a smile, for over a decade. Catherine brings to the team her passion for hospitality, having worked in some of the finest hotels in Napa Valley. With the changes of 2020, Catherine sought a sea change, deciding it was time to experience something new. Taking her first step into wine industry, Catherine knew her partner couldn’t be the only one having so much fun. Catherine’s partner has been working in wine for a long time, as oenologist at Kunde Family Estates. Together they live in beautiful St. Helena with daughter Willow and their feisty cat Sunny.
- Tell us about the things you like most about working at Jessup Cellars, the things you like about our wine club members, and your feelings about working for a winery.
I love how Jessup fosters an environment where employees can really be themselves and build genuine relationships with club members and coworkers. Our wine club members are so sweet, and I love that we can see them on a regular basis, and continue to hear the stories they share with each visit.
- You live in St. Helena, such a wonderful, charming little town. Can you tell us about your favorite spots to dine out there with your family and friends? (And what dishes are your favorites!)
Hands down, my favorite restaurant is Pizzeria Tra Vigne. The people are friendly and the food is delicious. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I love the bolognese and the caprese piadini. We also love popping in to Giugni’s Deli for sandwiches – make sure you add the Giugni’s juice on whichever delicious sandwich you decide to order!
- How about in Yountville? Any favorite restaurants or places to go wine tasting that you could recommend to folks visiting for the first time?
I’m a huge fan of Bistro Jeanty and Ciccio’s. I’m a bit biased when it comes to my favorite Yountville winery tasting rooms, besides Jessup Cellars of course, we’re fortunate to have several great tasting rooms in town, like Handwritten Wines, Hope & Grace, Hill Family and Priest Ranch. With so much quality winemaking, it’s hard to pick a favorite, for me these are some of the best wineries in Yountville.
- Tell us about your spare time hobbies and family activities in St. Helena.
I love to read and would probably spend most of my time in my hammock with a glass of wine and a good book if I could. We love to play games as a family when we spend time together – Outfoxed, No Thank You Evil! and Ticket to Ride are a few of our favorites. Our daughter Willow and I are known to get down on some Mario Party too!
We also live right by some beautiful vineyards, so we enjoy going on walks and talking about anything and everything.
- What are your favorite Jessup Cellars wine and foods to pair them with?
I LOVE our Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc is so smooth and easy on the
palate that you really don’t need a food pairing, although it goes great with cheese boards and practically any seafood dish. And the Chardonnay? It’s just so lush, and rich, and beautiful…pair it with your BFFs and a girl’s night out!
Come and experience Catherine’s hot recommendations for best wineries in Yountville. Our Yountville winery tasting gallery is open seven days from 10AM to 6PM. Reservations recommended, please book online. If you can’t stay for a tasting, grab a bottle to go to pair with Catherine’s favorite restaurants in town. Be right back… You’ll find us at Bistro Jeanty with a Carneros Chardonnay, and their amazing mussels and herb fries.