Our Winemaking Team
At Chateau Elan, our winemaking team blends tradition, innovation, and passion to craft wines with a distinctly estate-driven character. Rooted in time-honored techniques yet guided by modern precision, they steward each vintage from attentive vineyard care and thoughtful harvest decisions to careful, lot-by-lot fermentations and considered aging. Every step reflects respect for the land, a commitment to sustainability, and an unwavering focus on balance and purity of flavor. The result is a portfolio that is expressive, elegant, and unmistakably ours—bottles that capture both the soul of our estate and our enduring commitment to excellence.
Our Winemaker
Simone Bergese
Born in Alba, in the heart of Italy’s famed Barolo and Barbaresco regions, Simone carries forward his family’s legacy of viticulture—even though his grandfather’s vineyards were long gone by the time it was his turn to step into the craft. After graduating cum laude in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Turin, he refined his expertise through harvests across Northern Italy and Australia, gaining invaluable dual-hemisphere experience.
His career flourished in Sicily, where he served as Chief Winemaker at Patri Winery and later at the prestigious Firriato Winery in Trapani. In 2008, Simone moved to the U.S., spending four years at Potomac Point Winery in Virginia before joining Chateau Elan in 2012—a place that felt like love at first sight.
Since then, he has expanded production from just 7 wines and 4,000 cases to over 30 wines and 45,000+ cases annually. His work has earned more than 500 awards, including the coveted Sweepstakes Winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Wine Enthusiast’s Editor’s Choice Award, and recognition among Decanter World Wine Awards’ Top 200 Wines of the World.
Today, Simone leads with a passion for sustainable, health-conscious winemaking, refining practices that honor the environment while producing wines of exceptional quality and character.
Assistant Winemaker
Davis Beauchamp
With over seven years of experience across multiple wine regions, Davis brings a poised and steady approach to both winemaking and life. His calm presence and meticulous attention to detail allow him to seamlessly connect with the traditional, health-focused winemaking practices established by Simone. As he takes on increasing responsibilities, Davis continues to shape the winery’s future with quiet confidence and artistry.
Cellar Master
Alex Daniel
Alex began his journey at Chateau Elan in 2021 as a cellar hand and quickly rose to the role of Cellar Master. Now overseeing cellar operations from fermentation through bottling, he ensures precision and consistency at every stage. Beyond the cellar, Alex enjoys working hands-on with vineyard equipment, combining his love of engines and mechanics with his dedication to the craft of winemaking.
Vineyards Manager
Luke Palmer
Armed with a degree in horticulture from the University of Georgia, Luke joined the winery team in 2023. His versatility, assisting in both cellar and vineyard operations, quickly earned him recognition, and he was soon promoted to Vineyards Manager. Today, Luke is responsible for the care and cultivation of our estate vineyards, while also supporting bottling line operations and coordinating wine shipments with equal attention to detail.
Our Winemaking Philosophy
Welcome to a philosophy rooted in respect for nature, where every choice in the cellar and vineyard honors tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring each wine reflects purity, balance, and authenticity.
With sustainability at its core, our approach celebrates minimal intervention, healthy practices, and an unwavering dedication to producing wines of integrity and character.
