Napa Valley’s Bouchaine Vineyards appoints new DTC director
Carneros producer Bouchaine has hired David Eriksen to bring his “adventurous spirit” to the winery’s direct-to-consumer role as it forges ahead with its “ambitious” renovations.
Bouchaine Vineyards in Napa Valley’s Carneros AVA has welcomed David Eriksen, formerly of Pine Ridge Vineyards, to the leadership team of the 104-acre (42ha) estate.
Eriksen will work closely with Bouchaine president and winemaker, Chris Kajani, to expand the winery’s hospitality experiences, including private events and innovations within its wine club, as well as e-commerce communications.
“At Bouchaine, we’ve always believed wine should transport people — not just through flavour, but through feeling, memory and connection. David understands that kind of magic instinctively,” said Tatiana Copeland, who co-founded Bouchaine Vineyards with her husband Garrett in 1981. “David brings his heart to our hospitality, and we can’t wait to see the experiences he’ll help create among the vines and rolling Carneros hills.”
Copeland spotlighted Eriksen’s “adventurous spirit, worldly perspective and deep passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences” as making him perfectly suited to the role. During a hospitality career spanning more than two decades, Eriksen has previously steered guest experiences at Californian wineries Mirassou (which saw its brand name acquired by Gallo in 2003) Hall Family Wines and Pine Ridge Vineyards (part of the Crimson Wine Group). He also completed stints as chief sommelier for Princess Cruises and led the beverage programme at two hotel resorts in California wine country – Carmel Valley Ranch and Pebble Beach Resorts.
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Truly magical
“When I learned I would be joining the Bouchaine family and working alongside industry leaders like Chris Kajani, it honestly felt surreal,” said Eriksen. “The Copelands, owners of Bouchaine, have created something truly magical here in Carneros — a place rooted in excellence, beauty and genuine hospitality. It’s an incredible honour to help carry that legacy forward and share it with every guest who walks through our doors.”
As well as his extensive previous experience in hospitality, David has an MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University and sits on the board of Community Action Napa Valley, a local nonprofit that
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome David as we continue evolving Bouchaine’s deeply layered hospitality,” says Chris Kajani. “There’s always something exciting unfolding here — from our signature winery events to the new experiences we’re preparing to unveil alongside our wine cave completion. David’s creativity, warmth and
Ambitious project
Bouchaine’s vineyards are cooled by the breezes blowing in from the adjacent San Pablo Bay, allowing cool-climate varieties to shine (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the producer’s bread and butter). The estate is also Napa Green certified as well as ‘fish friendly’. For more info on what fish friendliness involves check out db’s exploration of what a ‘salmon safe’ vineyard looks like, here.
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