Family-run Farming
Yael Bernier
Yael Bernier moved to Sonoma County in the 60’s, bought a goat, and started farming. At that time, her Italian Swiss neighbor, Mrs. Lucchini, gave Yael some Northern Italian Red garlic seed. After more than 35 years of garlic farming, Yael now grows 14 different varieties of garlic.
Paul Bernier
Paul Bernier was raised in the suburbs south of San Francisco and came to Dry Creek Valley in the early 70’s to work as a farm hand in a prune orchard. He worked during the transition from tree crops to grapes in the Dry Creek Valley. In 1976, he started farming on his own by sharecropping small pieces of land.
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Paul’s mechanical talent allows the farm to do very well with old equipment that he adapts or refurbishes. His most interesting and innovative creation is the compost turner he built for their composting operation that supplies the needs of their land.
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Click here to watch a video of Paul operating his compost turner.
Zureal Bernier
Zureal Bernier was born and raised on the home ranch and grew up dividing his time between surfing, skateboarding, school, and working in the fields. He went on to earn a degree in agriculture from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo. After college, Zureal worked in fruit crops on a Cal Poly farm and later in row crops for a Sonoma County organic vegetable grower.  Later, he worked for a couple of years farming on his own before joining the family farm. Zureal and his wife, Anna, now live with their three children on the home ranch in Geyserville.
The Crew
Miguel Campos Madrigal
Farmer
Miguel Campos Madrigal is our longest standing employee; he's been with us for over 15 years. Miguel mostly spends his days in the vineyards that we farm. He knows all our practices like the back of his hand and has a natural ability in all things agricultural. He also is our connection to a great crew of men who get us through grape harvest every year.