Who We Are
Sheldon Richards
Paloma Proprietor and Winemaker
In 2003, Sheldon joined the family-owned Paloma Vineyard in Napa, California. He spent the next six years learning viticulture (grape farming) from his mother, Barbara, and oenology (winemaking) from his father. Barbara instilled in Sheldon to respect the vines as if each were one of his children – over 7,500 in total. Jim taught Sheldon how to let the wine make itself with minimal intervention.
In 2007, Sheldon became the full-time Paloma winemaker and continues to build on Jim and Barbara’s legacy. Under Sheldon’s winemaking artistry, Paloma’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was listed as Wine Spectator’s “Spectator Selections – Highly Recommended” in 2011.
Caston
General Manager, 3rd Generation of the Richards Family at Paloma
Caston, Sheldon’s oldest son, manages Paloma’s off-site sales, business development, and marketing from his home in the Okanagan Valley of British Colombia, where he lives with his partner Heidi and their daughter Julia. Caston spent his younger days working in the hospitality industry and traveling as much of the world as he could. Since settling down, he has completed a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and followed in Sheldon’s entrepreneurial footsteps as a partner in Modbox Studios, a backyard office startup, while working to learn the family business on the side. After two years with Modbox, he chose to step back from the startup and step into the wine realm full-time to help Sheldon manage Paloma. When he visits Napa, he enjoys working alongside Sheldon in the winery learning the ropes from his father.
Laura
Business Development Specialist
Originally from Issaquah, Washington, Laura’s appreciation of wine was nurtured while completing her BA in Global Studies & Art at the University of Washington. Since completing her degree, she has worked with Chateau St. Michelle, Stag’s Leap, and Conn Creek. In June of 2023, Laura will be completing her MS in Entrepreneuship at the Whitman School of Management in Syracuse, NY. Since joining the Paloma team in March of 2023, Laura’s role has involved her in all facets of the business, including helping Sheldon host our wonderful guests in the tasting room!
Jose
Vineyard Manager
Born in Michyoacan, Mexico, Jose immigrated to the US to start a family with his wife. Now the proud parent of 1 girl and 2 boys, Jose loves to landscape when he isn’t found in the vineyard or winery. Jose started with Paloma in 2008, learning how to cultivate grapes from Barabara and how to make wine from Jim. Now, Jose and Sheldon work hand in hand; Jose is the eyes and the ears of Paloma’s operation, tending to the vines just as Barbara would want.
Franc & Mita
Supervising Crew
Franc and Mita spend their days supervising the vineyard. Generally, they follow the food. Breakfast and dinner at the house, “lunch” with Jose in the vineyard, keeping an eye on tasting guests in between–you never know what they might drop. Don’t be alarmed by their loud barks, they are both lovers at heart just saying hello to new visitors!