Since 1987, when Tablas Creek Vineyard’s founder Robert Haas and Jacques Perrin of France’s esteemed Chateau de Beaucastle formed a partnership, the two have thrived in leading the wine world in innovation, sustainability, and hospitality in the world of wine.
Numerous articles have been written, and prestigious awards have been bestowed on Tablas Creek, Robert Hass (who passed in 2018), and his son Jason, who leads Tablas today. But it is the TEAM, the individuals, that are the glue that binds and brings this amazing winery together to keep moving forward and fulfilling the dream of its founder. Each person’s unique contribution makes Tablas Creek Vineyard what it is today. Let’s meet a few behind the scenes, the people who ARE Tablas Creek Vineyard.
Chelsea Franchi, Senior Assistant Winemaker

I first met Chelsea around 2006, when she was a student at Cal-Poly SLO and a “greeter” at Tablas Creek. Several visits later, Chelsea was not there to greet us. Instead, she was there pouring in the tasting room; she had just turned 21! Her infectious smile and personality, wine knowledge, and way of explaining “wine” piqued my interest in learning more about Paso Robles and the wines instead of just visiting and tasting. Chelsea introduced me to my first Paso Robles winemaker, Anthony Yount (whose personal project is Royal Nunsuch Farm), but shortly after we met, Anthony was appointed head winemaker for Denner Vineyards. I could say Chelsea was my personal ‘Aha’ moment with the wine industry and the road I have traveled since. Anyone who has met her will understand why.
In 2008, after graduating, Chelsea quickly transitioned from the “front of the house” to the cellar, where she has remained since, making her mark, learning, and being mentored by Tablas Creek’s legendary Neil Collins. You may not see or meet Chelsea, but you will taste her influence with every sip of Tablas wine.

As personable as Chelsea was in the front of the house, as much as she loves relating to people, she absolutely LOVES the winery. Being able to be a part of (never say “work” because this is love, not work) a culture where she learns every day, is challenged, and honored to be able to be a small part of a family that “does the right things for the right reasons.” What gives Chelsea satisfaction every day is, as she says: “I am part of a team that gets to tell the story of the work in the vineyard.” Chelsea’s actual “Aha” moment regarding Tablas Creek, which describes the Haas credo, happened many years ago, as a young graduate, when she was told, “We will create a position for you.” Tablas recognizes talent, and that talent recognizes what a special place Tablas is to be a part of.
Jordan Lonborg, Vineyard Manager

A young woman walks into a bar in Costa Rica and strikes up a conversation with a young man sipping a beer. The conversation wasn’t about wine, as neither he nor she were involved in wine at that time. However, upon returning to the States, the young man packed his bags and moved from Massachusetts to California to be near the young woman. Of course, Jordy (as he is referred to) married the woman he followed cross-country (Molly Lonborg, who today is the winemaker at Alta Colina Winery). The journey that started eighteen years earlier eventually led to Jordy’s current position, becoming vineyard manager at Tablas Creek.
The story about this young man from Boston (whose father was a 4th generation SLO native) is a fun, incredible journey. Serving in the military (thank you for your service), Jordan always loved working with his hands, carpentry, landscaping, and being outdoors. He holds his father, Jim Lonborg (1967 Cy Young Award Winner), on a pedestal for teaching him a work ethic that focuses on hard work and respecting people, learning from those who came before him, giving back, and, most of all, being humble.
Two events shaped Jordy’s life following Molly to California (and Mendocino County). It was the cannabis plant that demonstrated to Jordy the “power of nature and plants.” This was what got Jordy interested in fruit science. Growing up on the East Coast, Jordan told me, “Agriculture was going to the grocery store.” But once moving to California, seeing the plethora of fruits and vegetables (and cannabis) that grew from and were nurtured by dirt-it was “WOW.” Enrolling at Cal Poly SLO, suddenly, this 24-year-old knew what he wanted to do for his life, majoring in fruit science and being engrossed by his mentor, Dr. Keith Patterson, who headed the wine and viticulture program.

After graduation, Jordy’s path exposed him to 5000 acres of grape growing, “the best classroom in the world.” Always being of an organic and healthy mindset. Serendipity led Jordy to be recommended to Tablas Creek in 2018. Was this a dream? Yes, it is a dream come true. Jordy feels honored to be part of a team that practices a “new philosophy in farming.” It’s not just organic, sustainable, or regenerative; it’s recognizing that “humans are a big part of what goes on…. different from anything.” It’s (Tablas Creek and others) investing in people, rather than taking advantage of people, as has been done since we first stepped on THEIR soil.”
Jordy is humble and soft-spoken, with a great smile, glistening eyes, and a personality that, under the surface, is ready to burst through. As Molly, his wife, told me, “Keep him in the vineyard, on his tractor.” Jordan is a person who helps improve the earth, improve lives, and grow grapes that produce incredible, ethical, and socially responsible wines.
Rumyn Purewal

Rumyn Purewal may be the young lady who greets you with such an effusive smile as you check into Tablas Creek. And it’s not just a “greeting;” it’s a warm welcome. Rumyn sets the tone for your visit to Tablas Creek. Rumyn has agriculture in her blood, growing up on a peach farm. Studying Agriculture Business at Cal Poly SLO and spending time in Australia, Rumyn loves to learn, is education-focused, and is the quintessential definition of “hospitality.” She will tell you she LOVES being in front of the house and meeting and greeting the people coming to Tablas Creek for an experience.
Tablas Creek was the first position Rumyn had after graduating from Cal Poly, and that was seven years ago. She can’t imagine being anywhere else. She loves being the first face you see, the first person you come into contact with upon your arrival-and her excitement gives you a hint of what is in store for your visit.
Nicole Getty

Nicole Getty may tell you, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” she means it because working at Tablas Creek has been nothing but fun for her. Nikki has been with Tablas Creek for 20 years, and the time HAS flown by. Nikki is the wine club manager and, as such, is involved in an intricate web of logistics that the average person couldn’t begin to comprehend. Nikki was a perfect fit for Tablas 20 years ago, having previously been in the hospitality industry, focusing on catering and event planning. When Nikki joined Tablas, the wine club membership was 500 members; today, it’s 12,000! Just imagine what it takes to coordinate two club shipments a year, not only getting the wines together but also keeping in mind the weather at the time of shipping to different areas of the country and all the logistics going into planning, coordinating, and completing this enormous task. Nicole is a pro at this.

And wine club shipments aren’t where it ends for Nikki and her team of four. There are pick-up parties and special events during the year for wine club members. Close to a dozen different events to plan, manage, troubleshoot, and complete so that it runs seamlessly when people walk in to experience a Tablas event. The details, the intricacies, the challenges, and the problems to be dealt with would make a “normal” person throw their hands up in the air- not Nikki. As Nikki said, with a smile, “I simply LOVE my job, the people, and the family environment.” Next time you receive a club shipment or attend a Tablas event, think of the people behind the scenes. Think of Nikki and her team, who make your experience something special. You may not meet Nikki or her staff, but their fingerprint is part of what makes Tablas Creek click.
Ian Consoli

Ian Consoli hasn’t been with Tablas Creek all “that long.” However, since starting in the tasting room in 2017, Ian quickly rose to the position of Tablas Creek’s Director of Marketing. In 2022, recognizing his contributions and professionalism, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance awarded Ian the Master Marketer Award.
Without Ian’s efforts in coordinating my recent visit, I would not have been able to spend time with the special people I did. Thank you, Ian!

There is a whole “behind the scenes” team throughout Tablas Creek, each with their unique niche; many of them have been with the winery for 10-15 or 20+ years, such as:
- David Maduena, vineyard manager (32 years)
- Amanda Collins, Cellarmaster (9 years)
- Monica O’Connor, Direct Sales Manager (16 years)
- John Morris, TR Manager (17 years)
- Ray King, Wine Educator (4 years)
Many Tablas team members have enjoyed finding a satisfying second career at Tablas Creek. And it seems, once part of the Tablas team, they don’t want to leave.
Get to know the Tablas team in the field, in the front and back of the house, and when you visit and see them, say “hi”. These people make Tablas Creek click, and they are unique.

Of the many people I have been fortunate enough to meet, sit down with, sip, speak, and visit with over the years, there are words they use to describe Tablas Creek and the Haas family: Exceptional-special-empathetic-amazing-unique-crative-dedicated-inspiring-friendly, understanding, etc. And, as one person so succinctly said:
“Tablas Creek invests in people, and those people invest in Tablas Creek.”
The employees of Tablas Creek are committed, loving what they do and where they do it. They all have compelling stories of how and why they ended up here and what they love about this special place.
Jason Haas

Of course, let’s not forget Jason Haas: It is a testament to Robert and Jason for building this close-knit family community dedicated to so much more than just making wine. It comes down to people, and that’s what ultimately makes the wine, the vision, and the Tablas Creek culture captivating and exciting.
Tablas Creek Vineyard has set a high bar for leadership in agriculture, farming, wine, preserving the land, and, most of all, treating people. This truly is a family.
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s Wine Country lifestyle, and culture. He and his wife are constantly sipping their way from Santa Barbara to Napa, focusing on Paso Robles and the Central Coast, where they have explored for about 25 years. Don has earned his WSET2 (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) certification, has completed the Bourgogne Masterclass through the Napa Valley Wine Academy, and is a member of the LA. Wine Writers.
Focusing on the people and unique experiences to be had, Don’s goal is to have people read about California’s amazing wine country adventures, seeing it through his eyes, and say: “I want to go there, try that, meet them,” and enrich the lives of others as his has been, by exploring California’s wine roads.