Our Team

Daniel and Helen Ferrelli, Winery Owners

In 2001, Daniel and Kevin started a new tradition of bottling and labeling their garage wine. With state-of-the-art wine-making equipment, they imagined, “We could just make a couple of barrels.” Making a couple of barrels spiraled into EFESTĒ winery.

Back in Chicago, Daniel’s family cooked for the neighborhood every Sunday requesting that each guest bring his or her own fork since there weren’t enough to go around. Today Daniel and Helen carry on the tradition of cooking for gatherings by preparing amazing feasts for EFESTĒ wine club events. No fork required.

Daniel and Helen Ferrelli can be contacted at daniel@efeste.com.

Kevin and Angela Taylor, Winery Owners

When Angela isn’t driving her two boys around to all of their sporting activities you can find her on the tennis court. Although work keeps him busy, from time to time Kevin can be spotted on the golf course, hunting, or trying to reel in the big one while fishing.

Married in 1996, Kevin and Angela see the winery as an opportunity to spend time together during harvest, crush, bottling, and various wine events throughout the year.

Kevin and Angela Taylor can be contacted at angela@efeste.com.

Mark Fioré, Winemaker

Mark Fioré’s winemaking career began in Walla Walla where he had relocated for work in 2008. At the time, he was a PGA Professional and had moved to help open a prodigious new golf course. During the summer of 2009, he spent much of his free time at local wineries and befriended a few winemakers who opened his eyes to the world of Washington wine. Mark became fascinated with the artistry, science, and marketing of the wine industry and this passion led him to a career change.

Mark Fioré can be contacted at Mark@efeste.com.

Michael Frank, Assistant Winemaker

Michael started his wine adventure by tasting wines in Woodinville, eventually venturing out to Walla Walla, Oregon, California, and Chile. His passion for tasting wine eventually led him to start his winemaking career at K Vintners under the tutelage of Charles Smith and former EFESTĒ winemaker Brennon Leighton. Now, Michael works with Mark Fiore to create exceptional wine and brings his dedication and attention to detail with him. In his spare time, he loves to climb (rock faces, not barrels), create fantastic meals, and enjoys any sport or activity near the water.

Michael Frank can be contacted at Michael@efeste.com.

Travis Wandell, General Manager

Travis Wandell has a long history with Efeste dating back to when Big Papa was making wine in his garage.  A long-time friend of the Ferrelli’s and Taylor’s he has been involved with Efeste’s crushes, bottlings, tastings, and even catering.  He is a graduate of Washington State University’s Hospitality Management program and has many years of sales experience in the food and beverage industry.  Most important to him are a quality product, outstanding client service, and consistency.  This is why he is a perfect fit as Efeste’s General Manager.

Travis Wandell can be contacted at Travis@efeste.com.

Corey Westerhoff, Marketing & Hospitality

A high-energy, creative perfectionist, Corey Westerhoff brings insight from nearly two decades of experience in a diverse range of industries including retail merchandising, design, recruiting, and management. Through six years of working for some of Washington’s leading wineries, Corey has developed a true passion for wine. Drawing on his unique background, he uses divergent thinking techniques to develop new strategies for growing the EFESTĒ brand. In his free time, Corey enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with friends, and putting up with the antics of his French Bulldog, Zoe.

Corey Westerhoff can be contacted at corey@efeste.com.

Sophia Merlino, Club Manager

Sophia joined the EFESTĒ team after graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Hospitality Business Management. Sophia has recently found a passion for wine and is excited to learn and grow her knowledge of the vast wine industry. She enjoys working with others and doing hands-on work. She has a fun, bubbly, and outgoing personality that makes for a fun and exciting experience while at EFESTĒ.

Sophia Merlino can be contacted at sophia@efeste.com.