In the wine business, where only 18% of the winemakers are women, we are proud to be one of Napa Valley’s most respected Women Led Wineries. Guided by renowned Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls, and a team that includes
Senior Enologist Patricia Sciacca, Viticulturist Taylor Abudi, Director of Operations Adrienne Uboldi, and Abigail Estrada, who serves as the associate winemaker for Markham and the winemaker for our sister winery TEXTBOOK Vineyards, we are leading by example and helping to pave the way to a more inclusive future for the wine industry.
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Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls
Throughout a storied career spanning more than three decades, Kimberlee has quietly earned acclaim as one of Napa Valley’s most accomplished and respected winemakers. A specialist at crafting complex and impeccably balanced Merlots and Bordeaux-varietal wines, Kimberlee’s winemaking approach combines the knowledge and rigor of a scientist with vineyard-driven artistry. Leveraging a quarter century of experience stewarding Markham’s four estate properties, Kimberlee possesses an incomparable understanding of each site—knowledge that informs the charm and complexity of her wines. As a believer in the power of collaboration and creativity, Kimberlee is also an empowering leader who strives to lift up the next generation of women winemakers by serving as both a mentor and a role model.
“I feel very blessed to be here in Napa Valley where I know so many women winemakers. I have a tremendous, amazing network of support. That’s strength.”
Markham Associate Winemaker and TEXTBOOK Winemaker Abigail Estrada
A rising star in the industry, Abigail became the assistant winemaker at Markham Vineyards at the age of 27, and the winemaker for our sister winery TEXTBOOK when she was just 28! Before joining our team in 2017, Abigail honed her craft and gained invaluable experience with an array of varietals, techniques and terroirs making wine on four continents, including Italy, Israel and New Zealand, as well as at Domaine Chandon, Robert Mondavi, Carlisle and Joel Gott Winery in California.
“Mentorship has been one of the keys to my success. You are not going to be in every room so its so important to have those above you vouching for you and being your champion.”
Grower Relations Manager and Viticulturist Taylor Abudi
While women winemakers are underrepresented in the wine industry, it’s even more challenging for female vineyard managers and viticulturists, but that hasn’t stopped Taylor from excelling.
Taylor discovered her passion for science at an early age and pursued a degree in viticulture & enology at UC Davis, which combined her love of science and the outdoors. After graduating, Taylor worked at vineyards in New Zealand, France, Australia and Oregon, where she gained invaluable experience at Rajat Parr’s Evening Land Winery, and was mentored by acclaimed Winemaker Isabelle Meunier. At Markham, Taylor oversees our acclaimed estate program and grower relations.
“I take pride in the responsibility and culture of being at a Women Led Winery. We all get along so well. It’s a fun and supportive environment, and that positivity comes through in our wines.”
Senior Enologist Patricia Sciacca
A Napa Valley native, Patricia grew up on Atlas Peak high in the Vaca Mountain, where she learned about viticulture from her grandfather who grew his own grapes. This inspired a passion for wine that eventually led her to study wine and viticulture with a concentration in enology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she also managed the research lab. Since joining Markham in 2021, Patricia has learned about the intricacies of Merlot – our signature varietal – and has been tasked with finding new and innovative ways to add to our sustainability program.
Director of Operations Adrienne Uboldi
A fourth-generation farmer in Northern California wine country, Adrienne’s affinity for nature and the outdoors led her to study plant science at Cal State Chico. She joined Markham Vineyards in 2019 as the Vineyard & Sustainability Manager before transitioning to a leadership role in Operations. Adrienne focuses on identifying ways to maximize efficiency and improve processes, starting in the vineyards and culminating in each bottle of Markham Vineyards wine.
WOMEN’S EQUITY PARTNERSHIPS & PROGRAMS
Reflecting our deep commitment to fostering greater diversity in the wine, culinary and hospitality industries, at Markham we partner with an array of outstanding organizations that
advocate for women’s equity and diversity, including:
An acclaimed nonprofit, MAPP was founded to empower women to lead through mentorship and advocacy. Their initiatives include mentorship programs, advocating for affordable, accessible childcare and paid family leave policies, providing financial grants to independent restaurants and food non-profits, and their annual Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference – the only conference for and about women chefs and restauranteurs.
Bâtonnage strives to educate wine professionals as well as wine industry supporters on the unique challenges and opportunities that women in the field–winemakers, vineyard workers, writers and marketers, salespeople, sommeliers, collectors, and drinkers–have faced both historically and present-day. Dedicated to creating lasting change within the wine industry by empowering women at any phase in their career through Mentorship, Community Building, Networking, and Job Opportunities, Bâtonnage runs mentorship programs and hosts an annual forum.
The Women of the Vine & Spirits boldly pushes the global wine, beer and spirits industry toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive era through their virtual workshops, education, leadership, professional development scholarships and Annual Global Symposium.
Through the mantra GOOD FOOD FOR GOOD™, the James Beard Foundation is committed to giving chefs and their colleagues a voice and the tools they need to make the world more sustainable, equitable and delicious for everyone. A storied nonprofit, JBF is a powerful industry advocate championing food sustainability and women leadership in the hospitality and alcohol industries.