Our Team — Greer Wine

— behind greer Wine —

Rob Greer, Founder

Rob Greer was born into a peripatetic military family, resulting in a global journey from his birth in Visalia, California, to stays along the eastern seaboard of the US, in Japan and Taiwan, further stays in California, and all with recurring visits to Seattle, WA, where both his parents’ families lived.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology from the University of Washington, he fulfilled his obligation to serve as a Regular Officer in the U.S. Navy by joining the nuclear power program and later serving as the Nuclear Engineer aboard the USS Woodrow Wilson. Post-military, Rob was awarded joint JD and MBA degrees from Stanford University, leading to a successful career in corporate finance at Morgan Stanley in New York and Montgomery Securities in San Francisco.

In 1980 Rob and a colleague, Dick Fredericks, attended a party in Napa Valley—a fortuitous event that ultimately led to their purchase of ‘The Farm’ on Manley Lane. Rob and his wife Cyd married at The Farm in 1987, and in 1996, they made the move with their two children to St. Helena from San Francisco. Further good fortune followed when, in 2001, Rob met Aaron Pott, a neighbor. It was Aaron who explained to Rob that the Farm’s vineyard was exceptional, ultimately resulting in the creation of Greer Wine.

Aaron Pott, Winemaker

Aaron Pott traces his oenophilic journey back to a Parisian café at the age of nine, where a waiter's jestful defiance of milk initiated his vinous odyssey. From youthful experiments in his parents' garage to prestigious degrees in Fermentation Science at UC Davis and in Viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne, Aaron's path was paved with passion.

Guided by luminaries like John Kongsgaard and Michel Rolland, his sojourn in Bordeaux refined his craft as a winemaker at the esteemed Troplong Mondot and La Tour Figeac. Returning stateside, Aaron's expertise blossomed at renowned estates like Quintessa, where he honed his artistry. In 2007, with his wife Claire, he embarked on his vinous venture, Pott Wine, crafting exceptional vintages from their Mt. Veeder vineyard.

Today, as a sought-after consultant, Aaron's touch graces an impressive portfolio of Napa Valley wines, championing organic practices and terroir-driven expression. Beyond accolades, Aaron's ethos embodies a reverence for the land. From vineyard to bottle, his dedication to purity and balance underscores each creation. With a nod to tradition and an eye for innovation, Aaron’s pivotal role in Greer Wine stands as a testament to his lifelong devotion to the art of winemaking.

Eric Hagyard, Assistant Winemaker

Eric Hagyard grew up in the picturesque town of Hamden, CT where his interest in wine began with a good friend. “We would get together and taste wines and read as much as we could about where they were from and how they were made.” After completing his studies in mathematics at Williams College, Eric felt that wine, not math, was his calling.

So began his journey - first at a small wine shop in Connecticut, then venturing to San Francisco at the urban winery, Crush Pad, and later on to New Zealand where he worked at Brennan, a family winery nestled in Central Otago. It was during a harvest there that he came across a job posting by a winemaker seeking a "Demi-god Harvest Intern". Intrigued by this unique character, namely Aaron Pott, he soon learned that this opportunity would become a gate into the world of serious winemaking.

Having now worked hand-in-hand with Aaron for 15 years, Eric continues to enjoy the blend of agriculture and craftsmanship, the seasonal rhythm of the process, and the challenge of shaping each vintage. When asked about his work with Greer Wine, Eric commented: “I have great love, and honestly a deep reverence for your vineyard, which year-in and year-out produces a wine that effortlessly navigates its beautiful balance of richness, intensity, elegance, and complexity.”

Ernie and David Ilsley, Vineyard Managers

The Ilsley family's farming legacy stretches back to the 1950s, deeply rooted in the Stags Leap District and Yountville AVAs of Napa Valley. Brothers Ernie and David Ilsley, now owners and partners, were nurtured amidst the region's verdant vineyards, learning the intricacies of viticulture from their father and grandfather. Their upbringing instilled in them a profound understanding of the land and a commitment to forging enduring relationships with both family and neighbors.

As the third generation of Napa Valley farmers, the Ilsleys have played an integral role in shaping some of the area's most esteemed estates. Ernie, in his capacity as director of operations, and David, as director of viticulture, provide invaluable expertise to premier clients, guiding them through the complexities of each vineyard season with time-honored methods and tailored, site-specific farming practices.

Six decades of collective experience in vineyard management and their dedication to sustainable farming practices have made Ernie and David Ilsley invaluable partners in the success of Greer Wine.