Our Team

It takes the efforts of extraordinary people with a true commitment to quality to make Lookout Ridge wines. Here are a few words about our team.

Gordon Holmes

Gordon Holmes, formerly a successful publisher of magazines aimed at the financial community — investment bankers and institutional investors — has found some of his greatest pleasures in his gardens his entire life. A fifth-generation Californian, Gordon grew up in Los Angeles but his fondest childhood memories are of his grandparents’ ranch in the rolling hills between Paso Robles and Hearst Castle in California’s Central Coast. His time spent on that ranch—entire summers, Christmas and Easter vacations—laid the foundation for many of his life dreams. Gordon’s grandfather, Harry Holmes, was a horticulturist and, among his other achievements, authored a book in 1927 on practical horticulture in California that included growing grapes. The elder Holmes instilled and inspired in Gordon a love of growing things and of the outdoors.

Because of Gordon's love of growing things and his appreciation and enjoyment of wine, he decided to move to Sonoma, California. With that move, the Lookout Ridge story and the realization of a lifelong dream began.

The transition from growing vegetables on a balcony in New York City to growing wine grapes in Sonoma has been an evolution for Gordon. Making his own fine wines at Lookout Ridge is the creation of something tangible—not unlike growing a tomato—something he can taste and savor and be very happy about.


Greg La Follette, Winemaker

Greg La Follette has built a remarkable reputation creating and nurturing some of California’s finest wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He is probably best known for his role as winemaker and general manager for Flowers Vineyard & Winery, the first winery to build a solid business and make stellar wines in the remote ridgetops of the Sonoma Coast. But Greg’s achievements in wine did not begin nor end there.

Growing up in Europe, Greg developed a respect and understanding of the Old World’s philosophy of winemaking. He studied winemaking at UC Davis and then went to work in probably the best laboratory he could—Beaulieu Vineyard under the direction of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff. From there, Greg moved on to Kendall-Jackson, Hartford Court and then Flowers Vineyard & Winery.

Along the way, Greg has earned many awards and honors. Here are just a few:

"The Best of the Best" for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by Wine Spectator magazine for his work at Flowers Vineyard & Winery

"Artisan Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits magazine in 2000 and 1999 for his work at Flowers Vineyard & Winery

"Top-rated Chardonnay in the World" by Wine & Spirits magazine for his 1998 Porter-Bass Chardonnay

"Artisan/Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits magazine in 1995 for his work at Hartford Court winery

Gordon Holmes calls Greg La Follette "one of the most knowledgeable guys I’ve ever worked with in terms of winemaking. He’s an artist. He’s genuine and I like him personally. Those are big things for me," he said. "I also like the taste of the wine he makes. That’s big too."


Marco deGiulio, Winemaker

Marco was born and raised in San Francisco, California, shortly after his parents had emigrated from Tuscany and become successful Bay Area restauranteurs. Along with wonderful Italian meals, wine was an everyday part of their North Beach household life. As a result, Marco inherited his family's appreciation for great wine and food.

Marco developed an in-depth knowledge of winemaking and viticulture through education and experience in the industry. He graduated with a degree in Fermentation Science from the University of California at Davis in 1985.

After two years at Buena Vista Winery, Marco worked as cellar master at Pine Ridge Winery for more than four years. His next stint was as the production manager for Atlas Peak Vineyards, followed by his 1994 appointment as winemaker for Pezzi King Vineyards. Just before the 1995 harvest, he became the winemaker at Pepi Winery in Oakville. While making Pepi Wines, he also took charge of the Lokoya brand after the death of celebrated winemaker and mentor Greg Upton. It was at Lokoya that Marco's reputation for making world class Cabernet Sauvignon was first established.

Marco's wealth of experience and love of winemaking enables him to craft the finest wines from the rugged landscape that provides his inspiration.