From PE teacher to Cape May legend! Toby spent 13 years teaching Physical Education in Wilmington, D.E., before making the leap to Cape May with his wife, Rona. In 1978, they opened The Washington Inn, and since then, Toby's entrepreneurial spirit has taken him far. Today, he’s the proud owner of The Washington Inn, Cape May Beach Weddings, Love The Cook, Lucky Bones, Cape May Roasters, and The Cape May Winery.

Toby’s journey at the Winery began in 2003 when he purchased the property and began transforming it into the beautiful space you see today. For him, the most rewarding part of being a business owner is seeing a customer leave happy and satisfied with their experience. It's that passion that drives every project, every addition, and every detail at the Winery.

When asked about his favorite project, Toby always says they’re all special, but he has a soft spot for the ones using recycled materials. Check out the Cabernet Sauvignon Vine chandelier, the Copper Beach chandelier, the Barrel Stave walls and flight boards, and the amazing artwork from the decommissioned Ferry. (Pro tip: Ask your wine associate or tour guide for the full scoop on these cool pieces!)

Toby’s favorite wine? Cape May Red Reserve, of course! And when summer rolls around, you’ll find him at Grill Nights, where he’s always excited to meet new faces and catch up with old friends.

Bio coming soon! 

Anna has been part of the Cape May Winery family since 2010, sharing her love for wine—and her signature smile—with every guest she meets. Her favorite wines? Our Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (BFC, as we call it!) and Cabernet Sauvignon. When she’s not at the winery, she’s soaking in the quieter magic of May and September beach days. A proud Coal Miner’s Daughter, Anna treasures family time most of all—especially when it includes her beloved grandson!

Woof woof, bark bark! I love treats. 

Carly is an art teacher at her alma mater, Lower Cape May Regional High School. She was born and raised in the Cape May Area and has been teaching art for 8 years. She often works with watercolors, acrylics and mixed media. Outside of art, she loves cats and the power of sunscreen. Carly has been a close friend of the Craig family for many years, and they thought it would be perfect to ask Carly to design our new label. Great job Carly!

Clayton has been sharing his passion for wine at Cape May Winery since 2019 as both a Wine Associate and Wine Educator. His go-to wines? The dynamic CM3 and the beautifully structured Cabernet Franc. While there’s a lot to love about living in this area, hiking the local nature trails tops his list. A history buff and poetry enthusiast, Clayton’s path to wine was inspired by both—and he highly recommends adding The History of Wine and War to your reading list. Ask him about it next time you visit!

Courtney joined the Cape May Winery team in February 2024 and serves as the Marketing Director for Cape May Winery, the Washington Inn, and Lucky Bones. Although still exploring her wine preferences, she’s discovering a love for red blends, particularly the 2021 Cape May Red Blend, which perfectly captures the dark berry, black currant, and cherry flavors she enjoys. On her perfect day off in Cape May, Courtney spends a summer Sunday at the beach with a large group of friends, staying until the end of golden hour. For lunch, she recommends grabbing a Chop Suzy Carrot dog and a frozen cherry Coke from Hot Dog Tommy's. After a quick shower, she enjoys a SUPER dirty martini at the Wine Bar at the Washington Inn (with a shout-out to Robin for the house-stuffed blue cheese olives) before heading to Hooked Up Seafood or Mayer’s Tavern for dinner—her top picks for great seafood and even better company.

Three fun facts about Courtney: she’s had the chance to photograph her favorite band, Bleachers, at several shows, including Red Rocks; her favorite spot visited in the U.S. so far is Boise, Idaho—definitely worth a visit; and she used to be a D3 lacrosse goalie, ranking in the top 5 in the nation!

Cyndi is in her fourth year at Cape May Winery, where she brings her warm and welcoming personality to the front desk and hostess stand. But when she’s not greeting guests, Cyndi is a fourth-grade teacher at Maud Abrams School, located just across the road from the winery! With decades of experience teaching nine- and ten-year-olds, she knows that flexibility and compassion are key in the classroom, and she brings that same positive energy to the winery.

Cyndi’s favorite wine is Pinot Grigio, and she’s especially looking forward to the upcoming release of this crisp white. When she’s off the clock, she loves relaxing with an Elin Hilderbrand book on Reading Beach, gardening in her yard, and spending time with her dogs. Cyndi also enjoys exploring the Catskills and the Berkshires.

What she loves most about working at Cape May Winery is the sense of teamwork and community that comes from working together to create a successful and enjoyable experience for guests. She also feels truly appreciated by the Craig family for all the contributions she makes to the winery.

As for fun facts, Cyndi has lived in five states, climbed the Chichén Itzá and El Castillo pyramids while five months pregnant, and has Italy at the top of her travel bucket list!

David is enjoying his very first summer at Cape May Winery, where he primarily works with Traditional Tastings and at the Bar, but you might also spot him hosting on busy weekend days! He’s a fan of full-bodied reds, and at the winery, he’s found two favorites: Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Both wines deliver the smooth, balanced, and bold flavors he loves.

When he’s not serving wine, David enjoys spending his days off at the beach with his girlfriend or playing a round of golf at Cape May National. A fun fact you might not know about David is that, while in college, he traveled around the world on a ship for 3 ½ months in a program called Semester-at-Sea. During the trip, he visited 13 countries and took college courses taught by professors from universities around the world.

David has had many fun moments at the winery, but one of his favorites was Monday “gameday,” when he would come up with creative ways to add fun to the day, much to the amusement of his colleagues, especially Kelli! Another highlight was the awesome family dinner hosted for everyone, making it clear that the winery truly has a family atmosphere.

Diane has been with Cape May Winery for about 6 months, bringing her lively personality to the hostess stand, front desk, and wine bar. A red wine lover through and through, Diane’s favorite is the Cape May Red, which she finds to be smooth with great flavor.

What she loves most about working here is the atmosphere and the wonderful staff. Diane enjoys chatting with guests and seeing them enjoy their time at the winery, which always makes her feel good. One of her favorite memories was the Blessing of the Vines evening, which she found to be a special and unique event, giving her a chance to connect with the staff on a more personal level.

When she’s not at the winery, Diane enjoys spending her days off at the beach, boating, or spending quality time with her grandkids and family. She’s always up for a new adventure and loves being around people, making them laugh, or simply making them smile. Diane admits she can be a little crazy at times, but it’s all in good fun!

Fran joined the Cape May Winery team as a Wine Associate in July 2023, though she’s been a loyal visitor for over 15 years. Before her time at the winery, Fran was a Regional Sales Manager for an educational furniture company.

When it comes to wine, Fran finds it hard to choose just one, but her "go-to" wine is the Cape May Syrah—perfect for any mood! Outside of work, Fran enjoys kayaking and fishing at the bay, beach days in the summer, and soaking in the lovely sunsets in Cape May with her family and friends.

A few fun facts about Fran: she and her husband have three Portuguese Water Dogs who compete in agility, she loves cooking meals with fresh Cape May produce for her loved ones (paired with her favorite Cape May wines, of course!), and she’s a first-generation Italian who didn’t speak English until kindergarten. SALUTE!

Jackson’s passion for wine and viticulture began at Virginia Tech, where he graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in Agribusiness, specializing in Viticulture. What draws him to the world of winemaking is its challenges and complexities. Jackson sees wine as a craft that requires precision—there’s very little room for error in grape growing, especially since vines are annual plants. After harvest, you’re left with what you have and must rise to the challenge of creating exceptional wine from it.

One of his favorite memories at Cape May Winery is being involved in the creation of our Tap Room. It was one of his first major projects, and he’s proud to see it become a success.

Jackson also gained valuable experience during the 2019 vintage, working at Villa Maria Winery in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region, where he worked in their custom crush facility under multiple winemakers. After returning to the U.S. in May 2019, he began preparing our vineyards for the 2019 harvest before transitioning into the role of Assistant Winemaker that August.

Outside of the winery, Jackson is a big fan of athletics and will jump into any sport or pickup game. And like many locals, he’s a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan—Go Birds!

Meet James – our Cape May local who traded a desk job for the great outdoors! He joined Cape May Winery in November, and he's already fully immersed in the vineyard life. Whether it’s planting Merlot rootstock at Isaac Smith Vineyard, pruning, or now bud-thinning, James is quickly becoming a vineyard expert under the guidance of Winemaker Mike and Assistant Winemaker Jack.

Born and raised in Cape May, James is determined to turn his winery gig into a career. He’s passionate about plants and nature, and he’s thrilled to be working in the very place that nurtures the grapes for the wines he loves. It’s safe to say, the vineyard is his happy place.

When he's not tending to the vines, you can find James hitting the golf course or daydreaming about the harvest. He’s ‘stoked’ to see the results of a whole year of hard work come to life in the wines.

Jess joined the Cape May Winery family in 2022 as a wine associate, and her go-to wine is the Cape May Rosé. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach, indulging in a Peace Pie, and enjoying a laid-back dinner on a patio. Jess once made a splash by appearing on a billboard for the community college she attended—how cool is that? She feels incredibly lucky to live in Cape May and loves being part of such a vibrant, welcoming community.

Joe has been a cook at Cape May Winery since 2022, where he assists Chef Mike and the team in preparing both hot and cold tapas for the menu, as well as for private events. His favorite wine at the winery is Albariño, which holds a special connection to his heritage in Portugal. Joe’s favorite tapas dish is octopus, a staple in his Moroccan family. The octopus is poached, seasoned, and roasted, and served alongside roasted baby potatoes, chorizo, sofrito sauce, Taggiasca olives, and fresh cilantro. If he were to cook his favorite dish, it would be Moroccan lamb tagine, a slow-cooked stew made with lamb, onions, garlic, spices, and fried almonds, typically served with Moroccan salads and homemade bread. One of Joe's most memorable travel experiences was visiting Porto and Lisbon in Portugal in 2023, a country he holds dear due to its rich history, beautiful architecture, food, and landscapes, as well as its deep connection to Morocco.

Meet KK, the heart and soul of Cape May Winery – and she’s been part of the Craig family for over 40 years! She’s worked alongside the Craigs in their various businesses and is truly a vital part of the winery. If you've ever attended a Case Club event or grabbed a bite from the tapas window, you've likely crossed paths with KK. And on special occasions, she even gets the honor of picking the grapes!

While KK spends much of her time behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, she’s always around to brighten your visit. What she loves most about her job is the family atmosphere and meeting new customers. The surprise of who walks through the door every day never gets old for her.

When she's not working, you can catch KK playing her daily Wordle (she’s got the skills!) or competing in a friendly game of pickleball. A former physical education teacher, she's always looking for someone to challenge her to a match – so if you're a pickleball enthusiast, you better bring your A-game!

Next time you're at the winery, don't forget to say hi – KK would love to meet you!

Kathy has been part of the Cape May Winery family since 2015 and leads our Educational Tastings with knowledge, passion, and a whole lot of heart. Her favorite wine? The CM3 red blend—bold, smooth, and delicious, just like she says! Kathy loves the vibe of Cape May—from the beautiful beaches to the incredible restaurants. A proud Philly sports fan, she brings that same team spirit to work every day. Whether it's her coworkers, customers, or the winery itself—Kathy truly loves being part of it all.

Kelli has been a key part of Cape May Winery for over 20 years, making her one of the longest-standing members of our team. Her favorite wine is the Cape May Red Reserve, and each year, she looks forward to training employees at local wine outlets about our latest vintages. But Kelli’s role goes far beyond just crunching numbers—she’s the driving force behind all our external wine outlets and festivals. Her position as Controller in the wine industry is unique, as it allows her to support both the sales and manufacturing sides of the winery, constantly interacting with people and gaining insight into the entire process, from the vines to the wine.

Before joining the winery, Kelli worked as a business administrator for outpatient occupational and physical therapy at HUP Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Cape May, she decided to leave the city behind to start a family in her beloved hometown.

Kelli has many fond memories from her time at the winery, but what she’s most proud of is seeing the business grow. When she first started in 2003, the winery was producing just over 1,000 gallons of wine in a small building. Now, we have multiple buildings and barns, producing over 40,000 gallons of wine! Fun fact: Kelli actually started working for the Craig family in 7th grade as a bus girl and waitress at the Washington Inn. Her years with the Craigs have been a pleasure, and she’s excited to help guide the winery into the future.

When she’s not working, you can find Kelli enjoying the beautiful Cape May beaches and supporting her children’s various interests.

Meet our talented Pantry Chef Lorraine, who’s been bringing both flavor and flair to Cape May Winery since August 2022! With a degree in Art and a background painting murals and museum exhibits from Philadelphia to Georgia, she now channels her creative energy into the culinary world—earning her the nickname “Charcuterie Queen” for the stunning boards she builds for events and daily service. She’s especially passionate about our handcrafted mocktails (blueberry and watermelon, yes please!) and can’t resist the spicy kick of our pepperoni flatbread with jalapeños. When she’s not in the Tapas Kitchen, you’ll likely find her soaking up the sun at Cape May Point, browsing local markets, or strolling the shops on Washington Street. Oh—and if you happen to come across hand-painted glassware that looks like it belongs in a gallery? It might just be one of her creations. What began as a side hustle in 2013 has grown into a thriving small business that includes BYOB painting classes, art festivals, and a buzzing Etsy shop. Creativity meets Cape May charm in everything she does—and we’re lucky to have her on the team!

Maria has been a cherished member of the Cape May Winery team for eight years, where she brings her expertise as a Wine Associate. Whether it’s guiding guests through tastings, leading tours, or jumping in wherever needed, Maria is always ready to help with a smile!

When it comes to her favorite wine, Maria can’t get enough of the Cabernet Sauvignon, but she’s also a fan of all the dry reds that the winery produces. And when she’s not sharing her passion for wine, she’s out exploring the beauty of Cape May County. Having recently moved here full-time, Maria loves soaking up everything the area has to offer – from long beach walks to boardwalk adventures, there’s always something new to discover!

Fun fact: Maria is a dancer at heart! She’s still got the moves and yes, she can tap dance! She says it's the perfect way to keep moving.

One of her favorite memories at the winery? Finding out that she, Karen, and Mr. Craig all share a background in physical education! The three of them have shared plenty of laughs and inside jokes ever since.

Maria feels lucky to have found her “perfect retirement job” with the Craig family. She’s proud to be part of a team that feels more like family than coworkers.

Michael’s journey to becoming our head winemaker at Cape May Winery was a bit of a happy accident! Originally hired by our owner, Toby Craig, to help build the deck bar, Michael’s love for the winery grew, and he stayed on to work in the vineyard after the deck was finished. Five years later, Darren Hesington, our former winemaker, spotted Mike’s potential and invited him to join the production team. The rest, as they say, is history!

Michael and Darren made an incredible team, producing some of Cape May Winery's finest vintages. We’ll truly miss Darren’s leadership and expertise, but with his recommendation and the full support of the Craig Family, we’re excited to see Michael take the reins. His goal? To continue building on the strong reputation CMW has earned and elevate it to new heights. His plans to bring in fresh, cutting-edge technology to improve our wine quality while maintaining the close-knit, family atmosphere that makes Cape May Winery so special.

Michael graduated from Stockton University with a degree in graphic design, but his true passion is wine! He and his wife Liz, a high school English teacher, live in Upper Township with their two children, Norah and Harlan, who are beyond thrilled that their dad is the new “wine boss.” Here’s to Mike and many more years of incredible vintages ahead. Congratulations, Mike, and happy harvesting!

Mia joined the Cape May Winery crew in 2022 and has been pouring with purpose ever since! As a Wine Associate, she’s all about sharing sips, stories, and everything she loves about our wines—especially the bold and flavorful Syrah.

When she’s not guiding guests through tastings, you’ll find her soaking up the sun on the beach from 9 to 5, then heading to The Nail for a drink and to catch up with her favorite bartenders. Oh—and if it’s football season? You will hear her cheering for the Birds. Mia is a massive Philadelphia Eagles fan—GO BIRDS! 

Stop by the tasting room and say hi—she’ll make sure your glass is never empty!

Mike joined the Cape May Winery family in May, and he’s been a perfect fit since day one. As a Wine Associate, he’s always happy to help guests explore the wines we have to offer, but don’t be surprised if you find him pairing the Red Blend with a big, hearty Italian meal – it’s his favorite combo!

When Mike’s off the clock, you can catch him reading at a local cafe or biking along the Cape May bike trail. After that, it’s all about grabbing a pint at a pub while cheering on his beloved Flyers, Phillies, Eagles, and Premier League teams. Sports and good company are a must for Mike!

Here’s a fun tidbit – Mike holds a Master’s degree in plant health and diseases (fancy, right?), and he wasn’t always bald, though he wears it with pride now. He’s also had plenty of laughs with his colleagues, especially Mia and Jess at the wine bar. They keep things light and fun – a great team!

Chef Mike has been with Cape May Winery since August 2016, bringing with him over 40 years of culinary experience and an enduring passion for his craft. Before joining the Craig family, he worked with renowned chefs and restaurant groups, including José Garces in Atlantic City and Philadelphia (Amada, Distrito, Village Whiskey, and The Olde Bar), as well as Stephen Starr’s Continental and Buddakan. He also spent time with Catch Restaurant Group in New York City. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University’s culinary arts program, Chef Mike has honed his skills in kitchens across the industry but finds the most joy in mentoring young chefs and watching their careers flourish.

When it comes to wine, he enjoys both the Cape May White Blend and Red Reserve. As for his favorite tapas menu item, he has a special appreciation for the Lobster Slider—a dish inspired by his travels through Maine and New England in search of the perfect lobster roll. However, he finds excitement in every dish on the menu, drawing inspiration from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. For Chef Mike, good ingredients going in always result in great plates coming out.

Above all, he is grateful to be part of the Cape May Winery family, with only one regret—not meeting the Craigs sooner. He credits his incredible team for making everything possible and remains as passionate about cooking today as he was on day one.

After retiring from a rewarding career with the State of New Jersey, Nancy began her journey with Cape May Winery in 2022. As a host, she loves welcoming guests and sharing her passion for wine.

Her favorite wine? The Cape May Rosé—it’s refreshing and perfect for any occasion.

Living in Cape May means enjoying beautiful walks on the boardwalk, relaxing beach days, and dining out at Harry’s and The Lobster House with her family.

Fun fact: Nancy’s family loves spending time together, whether it’s traveling to new places or catching a Philadelphia Flyers’ game.

Since joining the winery, Nancy has gained a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and treasures meeting all the wonderful people who visit.

Colie has been with Cape May Winery for five years and has become a key part of our taproom and retail teams. Whether she’s serving wine behind the bar or helping guests pick out the perfect bottle, Colie brings her warmth and energy to everything she does.

Her go-to wine is the Lighthouse Red, which she loves because it’s perfect for making a refreshing sangria in the summer. Who wouldn’t love that combo?

When she’s not spreading joy at the winery, Colie spends her days as a preschool teacher, guiding 3-5-year-olds through the exciting journey of becoming independent. It’s one rewarding job, and Colie loves watching her little students grow and thrive!

In the fall, Colie enjoys a little downtime – she’s all about bowling, catching up with friends at Gusto Brewery, and visiting haunted attractions around Halloween. She knows how to make the most of Cape May’s spooky season!

Patty joined the Cape May Winery crew in 2015 and does a little bit of everything—from the front desk to tastings, bar service to big groups—she’s our go-to floater and team MVP! Her favorite wine? The crisp, refreshing White Field Blend. When she’s not at the winery, she’s out biking the local path, soaking in Fall in Cape May, or spending time in the tight-knit community she loves so much. A big Disney fan (with Minnie Mouse as her favorite), Patty also loves to camp and unwind in nature. Ask anyone—Cape May Winery is more than a workplace for Patty, it’s family. And we’re lucky to have her!

You'll see Jack Frost working hard around the winery, helping out with a variety of tasks, always sporting one of his super cool winery hats. Some of his favorite things to do at work are wiping off all the patio tables, putting up the umbrellas, gardening, and spending time with his co-workers. His table-wiping technique is unrivaled—"wax on, wax off!" Raymond loves seeing his co-workers, and since he has such a great nickname, he's given all of them nicknames too. A few favorites are "Big B" (Betsy) and "Mr. Big B" (Toby). Next time you see Jack Frost around the winery, be sure to say hi!

When he is not at work, you can find Raymond training for his track & field meets. He recently competed in the 2023 Summer Special Olympic Games held in Trenton, NJ, where he placed in three different events! Talk about talent—he won silver in the Javelin, bronze in the 100-meter sprint, and bronze in the 4X100-meter relay. We're so proud of him and lucky to have such a team player as a member of our winery family.

Quinn joined Cape May Winery in early 2023 as a cook in our tapas kitchen, bringing a passion for crafting flavorful dishes.

His favorite tapas item? The sliders—small, quick to eat, and packed with bold flavor.

On his days off, Quinn enjoys simply hanging out with friends, enjoying some downtime.

Fun fact: Quinn's original last name was Saggese, a little tidbit you might not know!

Next time you're at the winery, be sure to try the sliders and say hello to Quinn!

Shelley is the heart and soul of our Tasting Room! A true wine enthusiast, her favorite wine is our Cape May Chardonnay, but her all-time favorite is the 2013 Red Reserve—a classic that holds a special place in her heart.

Before joining the Cape May Winery team, Shelley was the proud owner of a garden center and floral shop in Lancaster, P.A. Today, she’s the mastermind behind the stunning flowers and beautifully maintained grounds at the winery. Her personal favorite? The Black & Blue Salvia that’s planted on-site. It's a showstopper!

What really makes Shelley love her job is the amazing staff she gets to work with every day. There’s no better team to be a part of! And here's something you might not know: Shelley’s a certified helicopter pilot. Talk about soaring to new heights!

Shelley has been part of the Cape May Winery family since 2010, bringing smiles, stories, and serious wine knowledge as a friendly Wine Associate and beloved Grill Nite Gal. If you ask her favorite wine, she’ll say it loud and proud: “Pour me a RED!”—especially Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

A longtime Cape May local, Shelley lives for sunset dinners on the beach and has shared a lifetime of memories here with the Vogelei family—from wine festivals that led to marriages to rehearsal dinners, birthday bashes, and family gatherings that fill the heart (and the glass).

Fun fact? Shelley has been hopelessly in love with one of the CMW field workers for the past 36 years —and back in the ’80s, she played basketball against Betsy… who could dunk. (Still legendary.)

Come say hi at the tasting bar or Grill Night—you’ll feel like family in no time.

Val has been with Cape May Winery for a little over a year, and in that time, she's taken on a variety of roles—hostess on the patio, conducting wine tastings, and working behind the bar. Before joining the winery, Val worked as a real estate agent, but she’s found her true home here with the Craig family, calling them “the most wonderful people to work for.” Since starting, she’s learned a lot about wine and the winemaking process, including a fun fact that it takes four grape clusters to make just one bottle of wine! Val enjoys trying each new release, but her go-to wines are the Cabernet Franc and Isaac Smith Red Port. This year, she’s looking forward to the summer months when all those familiar faces return. She loves the summer weather, especially when she can enjoy kayaking in the Delaware Bay with her husband or taking sunset strolls along the beach.