About Us
James Walker (Jim), President and Chief Viticulturist
Jim has over 15 years of experience in vineyard operations management, vineyard development and viticulture research. Jim worked as the Vineyard Manager for Durney Vineyards in Carmel Valley (Monterey County) and at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa. Jim has a Master of Science Degree in Viticulture from the University of California at Davis, worked in the laboratory of Andrew Walker, and maintains close ties with UC Davis. He wrote his thesis on methodological issues in root-knot nematodes. Since 1996, Jim has been the viticulturist and owner of the Napa-Sonoma Vineyard Group (NSVG).
Mike Nunez, Director of Vineyard Operations
Mike is in charge of vineyard developments and production in established vineyards. Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree from Pacific Union College as well as an Associates degree in Viticulture from Napa College.
Chris Demetre, Winemaker
Chris Demetre is the winemaker for Nicolette Christopher Cellars and the Napa Sonoma Vineyard Group family of wines, which includes Eric K. James, Orentano, Fieldsa, and Moon Ridge Vineyards. He enjoys helping people understand the “ins and outs” of wine and has been conducting wine education seminars for over a decade. Family ties in Napa were his first exposure to wine, and his passion for winemaking grew as he took courses at Napa Valley College and U.C. Davis. He rode his bicycle the circumference of France, visiting every major wine region, to learn the styles and flavors to be found there. When he returned to Napa, he began fermenting wines for vineyard owners that wanted wines that showcased their fruit. He was Lab Director for Cecchetti Sebastiani Winery and helped set up their new winemaking facility before becoming winemaker for Amusant Wines and NC Cellars. Chris received his BA in Geological Sciences from U.C. Santa Barbara and an MBA from U.C. Irvine.
Ninfa Ortiz, Business Manager
Ninfa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Ball State University (Indiana).
Matt Unverferth, Director of Operations
Matt handles the marketing of the Eric K James wines and the sales of all the associated wine brands. Matt has a bachelors degree in Film from Ohio University. He was employed for over 15 years as a Divisional Sales Manager for the top Wine and Spritis distribution company in California and also as a Regional Sales Manager for a family-owned distillery.
Eric K. Glunt, Special Projects
Eric has a Ph.D. in Psychology from the City University of New York and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Houston. Eric co-owns the home vineyard with Jim Walker. Eric is also affiliated with the California Health Incentives Improvement Project at San Diego State University, Interwork Institute, as a Project Director.
