April 6, 2026 (St. Helena, CA) — V. Sattui Winery, a family-owned estate in St. Helena, Napa Valley, is proud to announce the elevation of two key leaders within its winemaking team: Jason Moravec to Director of Winemaking and Audrie Walsh to Winemaker. These promotions mark an exciting new chapter as the winery continues its legacy while embracing the future of winemaking excellence.
“As we celebrate 50 years since our modern revival in Napa Valley, it is crucial that we honor our deep-rooted legacy while continuously pushing forward,” said Tom Davies, President of V. Sattui Winery. “With Jason and Audrie in these leadership roles, we are incredibly excited for what lies ahead. Together, they bring innovation, creativity, and a deep respect for the craft that will guide us into our next era.”
Moravec’s passion for winemaking began in middle school when his family started growing grapes in the Los Carneros region of Sonoma Valley. Working alongside his family as they developed raw land into Pinot noir and Chardonnay vineyards inspired his studies at UC Davis, where he earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology. He built his experience working at wineries such as Patz and Hall, Gloria Ferrer, Franciscan, and Kim Crawford before being drawn to V. Sattui’s family atmosphere and breadth of varietals.
Known as an innovator at the winery, Moravec has been instrumental in carving new paths in the winemaking programs. Notably, he is the driving force behind V. Sattui’s new brandy program and proprietary varietal blends. “Growing up in a vineyard gave me a great foundation for science and chemistry,” Moravec says. “When I realized that the wine industry is the place where science and creativity meld, I knew it was the path for me.”
Moravec lives an active life with his wife Sasha and their two children in Angwin.
Walsh, who previously served as Assistant Winemaker, will now lead winemaking efforts for the historic St. Helena estate’s expansive and award-winning portfolio.
Raised in California’s Mojave Desert by an artist mother in a town of engineers, Walsh’s approach to the cellar is defined by a lifelong harmony between art and science. After earning a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine, she pivoted from a planned career in law to pursue winemaking, eventually traveling to the University of Adelaide in South Australia to earn a Master’s in Oenology.
Her journey to V. Sattui included high-level experience at Robert Mondavi Winery, Louis M. Martini, and Treasury Wine Estates—where she crafted wines for iconic labels like Beringer, Chateau St. Jean and Beaulieu Vineyards—as well as time with the Bundschu Company.
Walsh is a creator in every sense of the word, with artistic pursuits that extend beyond the vineyard; she is a songwriter and musician who also finds expression through moonlight pottery throwing. She approaches winemaking as a similar form of expression, embracing a “minimal intervention” style that preserves the purity and balance of the fruit.
“Winemaking is an art, and to me, art is how we communicate the human experience when words alone are not enough,” said Audrie Walsh. “I want to share a sense of wonder in every glass—that ‘aha’ moment that evokes a memory or a feeling of home. Having the chance to work with such a broad range of world-class varieties at V. Sattui is a winemaker’s dream.”
These leadership changes follow the transition of longtime Director of Winemaking and Vineyard Operations Brooks Painter, who will serve as Winemaker Emeritus and Consultant through the 2026 calendar year. Painter will continue to collaborate closely with Moravec, Walsh, and the broader team to support the winery’s tradition of excellence, innovation, and sustainable winemaking practices.
About V. Sattui Winery
Originally founded in 1885, V. Sattui Winery is currently celebrating 50 years since its modern revival by founder Dario Sattui. The winery is dedicated to organic and sustainable farming and produces a diverse portfolio of wines sold exclusively direct-to-consumer at the winery.