The Filomena Family

Luke Nio - Owner & Winemaker

Luke is a Bay Area native who spent his formative years in Petaluma, CA. He graduated from Davis in 2011 with a BS in Viticulture and Enology and began working for Kaz Winery in Kenwood, who was making natural wine before it gained the popularity it has today. After working a few harvests domestically and one in New Zealand at Trinity Hill in Hawkes Bay, he settled in as the Cellar Master for Bedrock Wine Co., where he worked for 7 years. He then worked as Assistant Winemaker for Green & Red Vineyards in Chiles Valley for two years before landing at Kivelstadt Cellars where he is currently the Head Winemaker. His winemaking philosophy is minimal intervention, while also using his training and knowledge to make clean, age-worthy wines.

Kathleen Nio - Owner & Sales/Marketing

Kathleen (Kat) grew up in Marin County and attended UC Davis to study Nutrition, which is where she and Luke met. Her passion for food and cooking is a perfect complement to Luke’s winemaking world. In addition to lending the occasional harvest hand (and/or foot), Kat is the designated Filomena photographer, website designer, logistics coordinator and sales liaison. When she’s not schlepping wine, you’re likely to find her hiking with Kuma or in the kitchen working on a new culinary creation.

Kuma Nio - Vineyard Dog/Cutest Boi

Kuma aka Monster aka Schmonster aka Schmonz is a Husky/Shepherd (probably more things too) mix who contributes greatly to the Filomena Wine project by providing moral support in the shape of cuddles, vineyard romps, sniff-downs and hilarious indignant conversations (when his Husky side decides to surface).