A New Generation of Winegrowing

Towle Merritt, QAL, FLC, MBA – Owner & 6th Generation Winegrower

A Legacy Rooted in Excellence Towle Merritt began his wine industry journey in 2001 with an internship at Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé in Chambolle-Musigny, France. Under the mentorship of renowned winemaker Francois Millet, he gained invaluable experience in both vineyard and cellar operations. This early immersion in Burgundy’s meticulous winemaking culture instilled in Towle a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship and a deep understanding of terroir management.

Leadership, Innovation, and Experience With over 25 years of industry experience, Towle’s career exemplifies generational knowledge and forward-thinking leadership. He served over a decade with Walsh Vineyards Management, where he became Director of Viticulture, General Manager, and Partner. Walsh supplied services on 5,000 acres across 170 properties during his tenure, and Towle’s innovative work in vineyard mechanization and digital technology earned him recognition as a 'Top 50 Wine Leader' by Wine Business Monthly in 2018 and 2019.

Towle also led California’s oldest family-owned winery to achieve Regenerative Organic Certification©, making them one of only 16 wineries worldwide to meet these stringent standards. In 2022, he partnered with CH Engineering to introduce Steep Slope Harvesters from Germany, revolutionizing vineyard mechanization for challenging terrains.

Napa Organic Farming Company & Napa FLC Farming Company In 2022, Towle and his wife Darcy founded the companies. By 2024, Towle dedicated himself full-time to the business, which quickly gained a reputation for exceptional service and environmental stewardship. Under his leadership, Napa Organic Farming Company and Napa FLC Farming Company has advanced sustainable farming practices.

Education and Qualifications Towle holds a Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly Humboldt and an MBA from Sonoma State University. He is a licensed California Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) and holds a Qualified Applicator License (QAL). His hands-on expertise, combined with his academic background, has equipped him to excel in both vineyard management.

A Vision for the Future Towle envisions an industry driven by excellence, sustainability, and integrity. Through his farming ventures, he continues to lead by example, championing environmentally conscious practices that benefit future generations. His dedication to innovation and quality ensures that his contributions will have a lasting impact on the wine industry.

Blanca Wright – Consulting CFO

A Proven Financial Leader in Agriculture Blanca Wright brings extensive financial expertise to the company, serving as Consulting CFO through Agstaff LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration/Accounting from Sacramento State, alongside specialized certifications in Agricultural Human Resource Management from APMA and Labor Management Relations from UC Davis.

Career Accomplishments and Leadership Roles Blanca’s career includes high-level roles such as Controller at Tudal Wine Group, Cerruti Cellars, and Bedford Investments, as well as CFO and Director of Administration for Renteria Vineyard Management. She currently serves as Treasurer for the California Farm Labor Contractors Association and as Board Vice President for Puertas Abiertas, a Napa-based nonprofit supporting the local farmworker community.

Role at Company At the company, Blanca oversees financial management, including accounting systems, compliance, and human resources. She advises on training programs, ensures OSHA compliance, and manages a highly compliant worker’s compensation program. Her expertise in administration, financial processes, and labor management ensures smooth operations and adherence to best practices.

Commitment to Community and Compliance Blanca is passionate about supporting the agricultural community, both through her professional roles and nonprofit involvement. Her work at the company reflects a commitment to worker welfare and operational excellence, ensuring both financial stability and regulatory compliance.

Abel Amezquita – Director of Operations

A Lifetime of Expertise and Community Connection Abel immigrated to the United States in 1990 and has made Sonoma his home for the past 34 years. With deep roots in the region, he has built a long-standing career in high-quality vineyard management, demonstrating a passion for agriculture and a commitment to excellence. Abel brings a unique blend of practical experience and leadership, gained from decades working at some of Sonoma and Napa’s most respected wineries and vineyard management companies.

Career Highlights in Vineyard  Abel’s career began with hands-on work at Kunde Estate 1991-1998, where he developed a deep understanding of vineyard operations from the ground up. He later spent 15 years as Vineyard Manager for Gundlach Bundschu Winery, overseeing day-to-day operations and driving special projects critical to the winery’s success.

In his tenure at Walsh Vineyards Management, Abel managed the irrigation department and spearheaded special projects and developments across nearly 5,000 acres of vineyards. His work demonstrated his ability to efficiently manage resources while ensuring high-quality production, making him a trusted leader in vineyard innovation and operations.

Current Role the Company As Director of Operations, Abel plays a pivotal role in delivering seamless vineyard management services. He focuses on achieving long-term client goals with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Abel’s leadership ensures that Napa FLC’s operations run smoothly, minimizing risks while enhancing productivity. His practical expertise and dedication to excellence position him as an essential figure in the success of the company.

Community Engagement and Personal Passions Abel is connected to the local community, with extensive family ties throughout the Sonoma area. A lifelong soccer player, he remains actively involved in the sport, reflecting his commitment to teamwork and perseverance. His personal values align closely with his professional philosophy—he believes in achieving long-term success through hard work, collaboration, and thoughtful planning.

A Focus on Long-Term Success Abel’s depth of experience in vineyard management allows him to approach each project with a strategic mindset, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. His focus on safe, efficient, and high-quality operations reflects the company's mission to provide clients with great service that supports sustainable agriculture and long-term growth. Abel’s passion for excellence, combined with his community involvement and expertise, makes him a vital asset to both the company and the broader winegrowing industry.

Ana Sierra –Human Resources Manager/Office Manager

An Experienced Agricultural Human Resources Leader Ana Sierra brings over five years of specialized experience in agricultural human resources, with expertise in recruitment, employee relations, and performance management. With a passion for fostering positive workplace environments, Ana excels in balancing the needs of employees with the strategic goals of the organization. Her extensive knowledge in payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with employment regulations makes her a trusted leader in the HR field.

Career Highlights and Industry Expertise Ana’s professional journey began with Renteria Vineyard Management, where she advanced through key roles, gaining hands-on experience in human resources, payroll, and accounts payable. Most recently, she served as Human Resource Manager, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, disciplinary processes, and the administration of company-wide benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement plans. She managed workers' compensation claims and ensured compliance with FMLA and other employment laws, further demonstrating her ability to navigate complex HR challenges effectively.

In her earlier roles, Ana was responsible for payroll processing for up to 500 employees and managed end-of-year bonuses. Her financial expertise also extends to accounts payable, where she processed vendor invoices, maintained vendor accounts, and reconciled monthly billings, showcasing her well-rounded capabilities in both HR and financial operations.

Current Role at Napa FLC Farming Company
As Director of Human Resources at the company, Ana plays a pivotal role in managing employee relations, recruitment, and compliance initiatives. She ensures smooth HR operations, from talent acquisition to benefits administration, while supporting the company’s goals for growth and employee well-being. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish allows her to foster communication and collaboration across diverse teams, further enhancing the company’s culture and workforce development.

Education and Certifications
Ana holds a Human Resources Management Certificate from UC Davis and a specialized HRPA (Human Resources Professional in Agriculture) certification from the Agricultural Personnel Management Association. She also earned a 9-Hour Farm Labor Contractor Certificate from CFLCA and completed coursework in accounting and bookkeeping from Napa Valley Adult School. These credentials, combined with her practical experience, equip her to excel in her role as a human resources leader in the agricultural industry.

A Commitment to Excellence and Growth
Ana is dedicated to creating a positive workplace that prioritizes employee engagement, safety, and development. Her attention to detail, reliability, and expertise in HR policies make her an invaluable asset to our clients and our company. Through her leadership, Ana ensures that both employees and the organization thrive, building a strong foundation for long-term success.