About

Patrick Cappiello - Winemaker/Proprietor

Mr. Cappiello got his start in restaurants, his wine career began in 2002 as a Sommelier at Tribeca Grill. As time progressed his roles changed to Wine Director and restaurant owner over the next 15 years. Through connections with countless winemakers and after meeting his current business partner Pax Mahle, the transition to Winemaker was a natural progression for Cappiello. He still serves as Wine Director of Walnut Street Café in Philadelphia. He is Food & Wine host for Playboy and founding member of Winemakers & Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief.

His 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and Sommelier career has given him access to four of the worlds greatest wine cellars. All have been recipients of Wine Spectators "Grand Award"; TriBeCa Grill, Veritas, GILT, and Pearl & Ash. Mr. Cappiello was named "Sommelier of the Year 2014" by Food & Wine Magazine, "Wine Person of the Year 2014" by Imbibe Magazine, and "Sommelier of the Year 2015" by Eater National.

His winemaking career started in 2018, under the watchful eye of Pax Mahle. Monte Rio focuses on heritage and classic California varieties. Wines are made naturally with no additives and farmed with organic practices.

Mr. Cappiello and Mr Mahle collaborate on two wineries; Skull Wines and the Piquette Project.

 
 

Jesus Aleman - Assistant Winemaker

Jesus grew up in Mexico and moved to San Joaquin county at the age of fifteen. Eventually he would attend Sonoma State where he discovered his passion for wine after learning about fermentation in a chemistry class. This led him to a Bachelors Degree in Wine business.

After graduating, Jesus moved back to the San Joaquin Valley to become assistant winemaker at Jessie’s Grove Winery where he would work with some of the oldest vineyards in the country. He also continued his graduate studies during this time.

In 2023 Mr Aleman finished his masters degree in Wine Business from Sonoma State. In addition to his work as Assistant Winemaker with Monte Rio Cellars, he farms a Pinot Noir vineyard in West Sonoma County as well as an ancient-vine Flame Tokay vineyard in Lodi.