Inspired by a visit to southern Tuscany, Denise and her husband both fell in love with the tranquility of the countryside and views of the beautiful vineyards. A wildfire destroyed their avocado grove in 2007, and this prompted them to replace it with 3,600 grapevines in June 2008. Denise released her first wines in 2012.

As winemaker her focus is on Italian varietals including the Estate Brunello, Barbera, Super Tuscan, Primitivo, Nero D’Avola, and Aglianico. Other varietals produced at the estate are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Syrah. As winemaker for Altipiano Vineyard & Winery, Denise is responsible for developing and processing 20 tons of fruit annually and management of the estate vineyard. She has been instrumental in developing long term relationships and contracts from other viticulture areas to secure high quality fruit for Altipiano’s portfolio.

Denise has won numerous international awards which includes a Double Gold 96 point for her 2015 Zinfandel at the 2017 San Francisco International Wine Competition; 2018 San Francisco Chronicle awarded a Gold Medal for her 2015 Syrah; San Francisco Chronicle awarded a Gold for her 2013 Estate Sangiovese and 2014 Super Tuscan, among a few of her accomplishments.

Before becoming winemaker and Co-Owner of Altipiano Vineyard & Winery, Denise served in the United States Air Force for 6.5 years as a Personnel Specialist with the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing leaving with an Honorable Discharge. Denise began a career with the Department of Defense in Human Resources working for numerous agencies retiring with 16 years federal service in 2012. She holds a B.A. degree in Human Resources Management and Services.