Ellie Anest
 
July 14, 2022 | Ellie Anest

Meet Our Hospitality Team

Founded on a serendipitous encounter, Eleven Eleven is rooted in the celebration of meant-to-be moments. We are guided by the principles of synchronicity and inspiration that have been part of our winery’s story since day one—and we are proud to have a dynamic, skillful, and dedicated team that shares our passion for enriching life with friends, culture, great food, and wine. 

Meet the Eleven Eleven Hospitality Team, whose enthusiasm helps contribute to our ongoing success and the invaluable connections we make. They are the faces you will see and meet during your next visit with us, and they look forward to welcoming you to Eleven Eleven. You may also find they have some fantastic recommendations for the best Napa Valley destinations... Three cheers to them all!

Jordan Goldberg, Sales & Marketing Manager

How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

I have been with Eleven Eleven since the very beginning in 2012. Starting as an independent contractor, then transitioning to a full-time employee, I have had MANY different roles at the winery over the past ten years. It has been one of the best personal and professional experiences getting to be a part of and see what it takes to build a business since its foundation. 

What first led you to a career in hospitality? 

Having been born and raised in Napa Valley, there was a high likelihood that I would eventually end up in the wine industry. Really, I found myself in hospitality because I grew up in a hospitality family. Starting when I was a child, I would do event service for my mother who is a Private Chef and Event Coordinator. My father worked in the restaurant industry before eventually opening his wine retail shop in 2000 where I also worked after school. From age 10, I was learning about different wine regions and producers as well as wine sales, wine shipping, wine laws, and the industry as a whole. After graduating college with a Degree in Business Marketing, I moved back to Napa Valley which led me right into working for Eleven Eleven. Looking back I realize that everything I have done and experienced in my life has led me to where I am today, in the wine industry, at Eleven Eleven. 

What's your favorite thing about working at Eleven Eleven? 

First and foremost, the people — my colleagues that I have the pleasure of working with AND the supporters of Eleven Eleven that I get to meet and know. Getting to enjoy our outstanding wine pretty often doesn’t hurt either!

What hobbies, activities, etc. do you like to do outside of work?

You often times can find me in or by a pool, on a tennis court, working out, traveling, at a concert, or spending time with my friends and family.

Favorite quote/personal mantra?

“Nothing is impossible."

Favorite place to go to in Napa Valley? 

Bistro Don Giovanni is a must when in Napa Valley — whether for lunch or dinner, I have always had a stellar dining experience. I also love walking around Yountville and enjoying all that it offers.

Favorite Eleven Eleven Wine and food pairing?

Calesa and/or Bacigalupi Pinot Noir paired with any Italian pasta dish.

 

Bradley Ward, Hospitality Manager & Estate Ambassador

How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

One year!

What first led you to a career in hospitality? 

I was going to college for a degree in mathematics and couldn't find a career that excited me. I was working as a barista at a local coffee shop and loving every day, and I happened to be approached by someone in the industry who offered me a job at a boutique tasting room. They covered my wine education, and eventually, I grew into hosting tastings full-time!

What's your favorite thing about working at Eleven Eleven? 

The intimate experiences. I love being a part of a smaller brand because each experience with guests is more one-on-one. You really get to develop meaningful relationships with people and hear about what is going on in their lives. I appreciate the people I have met while being here. 

What hobbies, activities, etc. do you like to do outside of work?

Lots of video games and cooking/baking. I'm an avid gamer, frequently excited for any downtime to game with my better half. I also get so excited about baking new recipes (particularly cookies), cooking new dishes, and I just got into creating homemade ice cream for the summer!

Favorite quote/personal mantra?

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Favorite place to go to in Napa Valley? 

I'm not sure. I get really excited about coffee shops, so I'd have to say Southside Cafe or Ritual for coffee. My better half and I love walking through Oxbow Market to grab some spices, food, coffee, you name it. There are great gift items there too. For brunch, La Cheve. I love their cornmeal pancakes and their chilaquiles!

Favorite Eleven Eleven Wine and food pairing?

I love the Estate Cabernet Franc with Bolognese. My partner makes some delicious homemade Bolognese with homemade pasta! I love how well the Cabernet Franc works with the tomato, the herbs, and the meatiness. We also use our own herbs in our herb garden (Oregano, Rosemary, Basil, etc), which only makes it more satisfying. I'm very spoiled!

 

Anis Sarrage, Hospitality Manager & Estate Ambassador

How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

Just over two years.

What first led you to a career in hospitality? 

It's a dynamic industry where you get to meet and interact with lots of different people on a daily basis - never a dull moment! It's nice to be able to show people a good time and expose them to amazing experiences - food, wine, etc. 

What's your favorite thing about working at Eleven Eleven? 

Being able to share our delicious wines. As well as having so many guests tell us we were their favorite part/highlight of their trip to Napa Valley. 

What hobbies, activities, etc. do you like to do outside of work?

I love traveling to new places, landscape and cityscape photography, exercising, and reading. 

Favorite quote/personal mantra?

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love" - Marcus Aurelius

Favorite place to go to in Napa Valley? 

Driving up and down Silverado Trail and taking in the beautiful views. 

Favorite Eleven Eleven Wine and food pairing?

Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé by the pool - no food needed :)

 

Jermaine Burse, Hospitality & Estate Ambassador

How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

9 months

What first led you to a career in hospitality?

I graduated from college and needed to make some money to survive, so I became a banquet bartender at the Carneros Inn, which after 5 years evolved into me becoming their Food & Beverage Director property-wide. After 15+ years of F&B directing, I decided to try my hands at DTC wine sales and have been an active host for 8 years now.

What's your favorite thing about working at Eleven Eleven? 

I deeply enjoy the Ownership, Hospitality, and Production Teams and the brilliant ambiance of 11:11 Winery.

What hobbies, activities, etc. do you like to do outside of work?

I am a nationally recognized Visual Fine Artist, so when I am not hosting guests at 11:11 Winery. I am in the studio painting for high-end collectors and or installing my Fine Art in collectors' homes. I also enjoy networking and building relationship equity, hiking, exercise, and sports.

Favorite quote/personal mantra?

“The combination of your thoughts and feelings is your state of being. Change your state of being... and change your reality.”

Favorite place to go to in Napa Valley? 

Bistro Don Giovanni is hands down my favorite restaurant to dine. The food, ambiance, energy, and frequency of the restaurant bring me joy. 

Favorite Eleven Eleven Wine and food pairing?

I love the Eleven Eleven Destin Estate Syrah(Any vintage) paired with wagyu ravioli with blistered tomatoes, asparagus tips, and black truffle oil. 

 

Jani DiCarlo, Events Coordinator & Hospitality Ambassador

How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

I have been with Eleven Eleven for a little over 2 months.

What first led you to a career in hospitality?

I had a background in food and it made sense to move to Napa and delve into the wine industry. After almost 26 years in Napa, it was the best decision I made.

What's your favorite thing about working at Eleven Eleven? 

Of course, the wines. The beauty of the winery itself is stunning. The experiences that guests receive, create memories and are something they will have with them for years.

What hobbies, activities, etc. do you like to do outside of work?

I love music and try to see live music in Napa whenever I can. Of course, there must be dancing.

Favorite quote/personal mantra?

"To the finer things in life, may you enjoy them all in moderation, with a few glorious exceptions with friends".   Robert Mondavi

Favorite place to go to in Napa Valley?

Whenever I can eat on the water, I am a happy girl, ANGELE. Sitting outside at night with the lights and fountain, would have to be Don Giovanni. For great sushi, take a drive to Calistoga and visit Sushi Mambo. The list is so extensive, you just have to come and see it.  For music, The Blue Note, Uptown, and Oxbow River Stage.

Favorite Eleven Eleven Wine and food pairing?

Bacigalupi or Calesa Pinot Noir served with fresh salmon, celery root mashed potatoes, and fresh haricot verts with shallot butter sauce. Yeah!

 

Zack Krugel, Hospitality & Estate Ambassador

How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

Just over 9 months.

What first led you to a career in hospitality?

Have always loved hosting great food and wine experiences with friends while having great conversations and learning new things through those conversations.

What's your favorite thing about working at Eleven Eleven? 

Besides working with the best staff in the business and the amazing leadership, my favorite thing would have to be working at a gorgeous property that people from all over the world visit, and I get to meet and interact with to start new relationships.

What hobbies, activities, etc. do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy running/ being active, traveling with my wife, wine tasting (of course), and searching for unique dining experiences.

Favorite quote/personal mantra?

"Control what you can control and don't worry about the rest."

Favorite place to go to in Napa Valley?

For tastings, I love going to Sodaro Estate, but if I am not tasting I always enjoy dining out downtown or catching a summer concert at the Oxbow.

Favorite Eleven Eleven Wine and food pairing?

2018 Malbec with a medium rare Filet Mignon

 

If you haven’t already had the pleasure, we invite you to join us for an elegant tasting experience with one of our excellent Hospitality Team members and Make Your Moment® with us!

 

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