We are excited to announce and welcome to Mayacama our new General Manager Dan Michael! His vast experience in the hospitality and wine industry, his love of golf, and roots in Sonoma County will enable him to lead our team with an inspiring confidence and a focus on continuing to deliver amazing experiences to our Members.

Dan comes to us after having spent the last 13 years with The Ernest and Julio Gallo Company directing their hospitality programs and consumer direct marketing and sales. At Gallo, Dan crafted experiences for many of their luxury brands, including Louis Martini, J, William Hill, Orin Swift, and MacMurray Ranch. The highlight of his career was the successful restoration and launch of the Louis Martini winery, working with acclaimed architect, Howard Backen, to bring this historic property into the top tier of Napa Valley destinations.

Dan attended the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration at the University of New Orleans. After graduating at the top of his class in 1989, he entered the management training program at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside, where for six years he worked his way up through the organization to Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. His first taste of wine marketing was at the Hilton, designing promotional programs featuring California wines that took him to the Napa Valley for education and training.

Dan spent several years at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone where he was instrumental in building their Special Events and Hospitality program from the ground up. Dan produced world-class events in this historic venue, working with many notable chefs and winemakers from around the world. It was during his tenure at Greystone that he began his association with the Napa Valley Vintners and worked extensively on Auction Napa Valley and Premiere, ultimately leading to his first move into the wine industry.

Prior to his time at Greystone Dan was the Director of Hospitality at Domaine Chandon where he managed their legendary restaurant, tasting salon and boutique. During his three years there, Dan gained experience in brand marketing through directing their wine club and website sales.

The extensive experience Dan brings in hospitality, training, hotel operations and corporate management skills will be a welcome addition to the Mayacama team. We look forward to the new directions he can take us across multiple departments and believe our members will notice an early impact on club services and member experiences. All of these combined with his charisma make him a great fit and the ideal person to take on the General Manager role.

Dan enjoys an incredible quality of life here in beautiful Sonoma County with his partner Wanda, daughter Hannah and rescue dog Jolie. Dan is also an avid golfer who loves to garden and cook.

Please say hello and welcome him to our amazing Mayacama family, you’ll see him around beginning next week with our Men’s Member-Guest!