Toby Craig and his family are no strangers to the Cape May area. After
summering here all his life, Toby and his family moved here permanently
in 1976. They bought the Washington Inn in 1978 and created one of
South Jersey's finest dining establishments, which it remains today.
Toby bought a small winery and vineyard in 2002. In 2003 he hired his
very talented winemaker, Darren Hesington. Today with expanded crops,
the new enlarged winery building and increased wine production, Cape
May Winery has developed into one of New Jersey's premier wineries and
visitors' destination.
Darren began his career at Cape May Winery in 2003. He has gained his
knowledge of winemaking from years of experience, which began at
Unionville Vineyards as well as Viticulture and enology classes in VA
and NY. Most of Darren's success is credited to Keith Bown, an
Australian winemaker. Darren working with Keith at Unionville and had a
great opportunity to work on a crush in the Hunter Valley of Australia.
"Since working at Cape May Winery, we've grown tremendously. The
environment is fun, creative and fulfilling. I pride myself in making a
wine for everyone."
Stephanie Vogel - Director of Sales and Marketing
Was hired in October 2005 as the Tasting Room Manager. Stephanie was born in Long Island NY and graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia in 1996. Soon after graduating, Stephanie became a Flight Attendent with United Airlines so she could travel the world. She landed in Cape May, NJ in 2003 and hasn't left! Working at the winery is fun and challenging and we have a great opportunity to meet interesting people every day. Stephanie recently married Lance Vogel and reside in North Cape May.
Christine Mendicino - Wine Associate and Tour Guide
The Washington Inn can take credit for her knowledge of wine. Christine
was employed by the Washington Inn since 1992. "We learned from many
wine experts. As well as the Craig brothers, who further enhanced my
love of wine." Christine came to work at Cape May Winery in 2004. She
lives in Cape May with her husband Jim, her two sons and daughter. She
enjoys working at the winery because everyday holds something new. It
is a beautiful environment and interesting people to talk with about
wine.
John Focht - Wine Associate and Tour Guide
Always had a love of wine. He got serious in early 90's and took
classes and continued taking classes in wine appreciation. John is a
retired police sergant, who later ran tour boats and fishing boats with
the Delta Lady until 2005. He has lived in Cape May County since 1971
with wife Lynne. John began working at Cape May winery in September
2006 and enjoys his job. Every day is a learning experience. John is
one of the founding members of the Cape May Wino, a wine lovers group
here in Cape May County. A true Oenophile.
Lisa Senape - Wine Associate, Lab Work and Tour Guide
Originally from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, she fell in love
with Cape May after her 1st visit here 15 years ago, and moved her
permanently in 1998. After taking 2 years of cooking classes at Vo-tech
over 20 years ago, her love of wine began simply as something to enjoy
with food. She developed an appreciation for it after visiting many
wineries and attending various wine classes over the years. She became
a "student" at the Cape May Wine School at The Washington Inn in 2003,
where she first met now fellow co-workers John and Sue. Together they
formed a wine appreciation group, The Cape May County Winos. She
furthered her interest in wine and food by joining the staff at the
Cape May Winery in the summer of 2005, and later completed the culinary
course at Atlantic Cape Community College. She has been doing the
laboratory tests on the Cape May wines for over a year now. This, along
with being part of the staff at a working winery, has enabled her to
learn much about the behind-the-scenes of making wine. It truly is a
labor of love; a never-ending learning process that always keeps the
job interesting.
Barbara Garrison - Wine Associate
New girl on the block, Barbara Garrison has been attracted to working
at the Cape May Winery since she retired from teaching at Lower Cape
May Regional High School in 2005. Originally from Cape May, NJ and then
Hatboro, PA., she went on to undertake a long teaching career in
France, Australia, Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean and in several
African counties. Having two children living in France and in New
Zealand, she and her husband, Bill Garrison, still take the opportunity
to travel frequently. Her passion for wine developed during her years
abroad. She now enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the nectar of the
Gods with novices and Oenophiles alike. "Thanks to everyone at the
winery for their warm welcoming and positive work ethics."
Kim Perez - Wine Associate
Kim PerezWine Associate: Kim will be returning to the winery for her 5th summer. “I’m so excited to get back to work with the winery staff!We are like our own little family that has been learning how to provide excellent service to a growing clientele.”“Educating our customers is something we do so well, while making it fun”“I feel this will be a banner year with past customers returning and new ones learning about us.” Recently Kim has traveled to Napa, California and the Piedmont region in Italy.“Wine is such a wonderful subject; one can continue to learn through out a lifetime. It connects us on an international level to others in the world.” Kim recently completed the Wine Spirit Education & Trust; level 3 Advanced Certificate this past March. “My studies are held in Philadelphia, this is the second city in the US to offer the course which originates in England.“My next move would be applying for the Diploma degree. This is a 2yr commitment, so we will see?”Who knows maybe then the Masters of Wine which only 42 women hold currently in the US, you never know where life will take you.” She & her husband Hernando split their time between Vineland and Cold Springs NJ. Gatsby is their 5yr old Bichon Frise, which can be seen hanging around the winery at any given time.
Michael Spear - Vineyard Manager
Born and raised in
Philadelphia. Attended Central High School and Community College of
Philadelphia. Retired Chef, former
restaurant owner with specialties in garde manager and ala carte service. Married with 3 children Member of Linwood Community
Church. Huge soccer fan and enjoys
classical, rock and Broadway music. Loves tending the vineyards!
