Meet the Team at Theorem

James grew up working in restaurants and has been honing his hospitality skills through this industry for the past 20 years. It was in 2010 though that he got bit by the wine bug. James was thinking about leaving the restaurant industry to pursue a more "grown-up job" until one day he randomly picked up Karen McNeel's "The Wine Bible." He devoured the book in a few weeks, and then picked up another book, and then another. Within that year, James sat and passed the Introductory Level course through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has gone on to pass the Certified Level and is currently studying for the Advanced Level Certification through the Court. James brings with him many years of hospitality experience and a wide breadth of wine knowledge.

Thomas was born in Sumter, South Carolina and discovered his passion for wine while attending the University of Virginia. In 1997, he moved to Napa and began his career with an entry-level position at Turley Cellars. Thomas’ philosophy of letting the site dictate the way the wine is produced has made him one of Napa’s most respected winemakers. His wines have earned the highest acclaim, including more than twenty-five 100 point scores from Robert Parker. In 2010, Thomas was also named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.

Kathleen's family immigrated from Johannesburg, South Africa to Texas when she was 8 years old. She grew up outside of Houston, was an avid horse lover, and had her mind set on becoming a large animal veterinarian. Pursuing her dream, she attended Texas A&M University where she majored in Animal Science. During her junior year, on a whim, she enrolled in an enology (winemaking) class. What started as a fun elective quickly turned into an insatiable quest to learn everything she could about wine!

For Kathleen, one of the best parts of her pivot to enology was her ability to apply much of her science and chemistry background to the art of winemaking. Science and art, she discovered, are intrinsically connected. After graduating in 2012, Kathleen moved to the Napa Valley to continue her quest to learn all she could about wine. Her wine career began as a harvest intern for Napa’s Failla Wines – a job that transitioned into a full-time cellar position post-harvest. After two years at Failla, where she helped to make outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, Kathleen was offered an enologist position at Acumen Wines. There she worked closely with the late Denis Malbec, third generation winemaker of famed Chateau Latour in France. Denis taught her how to taste wine, refine her palette, and the art of blending wines. He insisted that she trust her instincts when tasting, and encouraged her to take what nature gives us each harvest and turn it into an exceptional vintage: Each one, he taught her, is unique and alive with its own story to tell.

It was at Acumen that Kathleen first met renowned winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown. In early 2017, Thomas mentioned Theorem Vineyards to Kathleen and explained that Kisha and Jason Itkin were building a state-of-the-art winery on Diamond Mountain. Their goal, he added, was to produce ultra-premium, small production, estate wines from their Diamond Mountain and Moon Mountain Vineyards. They were looking for a winemaker to manage the operation. After visiting the breathtaking estate, Kathleen wanted nothing more than to be part of the team and soon, her wish was realized! For the past 4 years, Kathleen has worked at Theorem and has crafted Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah, from Theorem's stellar estate fruit. She is, as they say, living her dream and grateful to be part of the dedicated and passionate team at Theorem Vineyards.

Josh’s farming career got its start while riding on his dad’s lap, as he steered the tractor around their Napa Valley vineyard. It’s there that Josh learned the rhythm of the seasons and the rhythm of the vines. After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology with a minor in Ag Business, Josh worked at a large family run vineyard in Paso Robles, managing all phases of development, maintenance and harvest. Eventually, he moved back home to Napa Valley, taking the reins of his father’s business, Clark Vineyard Management. Today, Josh’s team oversees 400 acres of premium wine grapes in Napa and Sonoma Counties. He specializes in smaller, high-quality vineyards, with the philosophy that technology and age-old practices are not opposing forces when your aim is growing the best possible grapes.

Chef Josh was raised in the Napa Valley and has worked for some of the most influential and acclaimed chefs in the country. Born into a family with a rich history of farming, he gained invaluable knowledge at a young age in the practices of sustainable farming, gardening, and the use of seasonal ingredients. Josh learned the art of animal husbandry as a youth in 4-H and went on to study to be a chef at the CIA at Greystone. Subsequent years of hands-on kitchen experience lead Josh through famed Napa Valley kitchens including: Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood, Bistro Jeanty, Thomas Keller Restaurant Group and SolBar.

Throughout the years, Josh’s love of farming and the land always remained at the forefront of his passion for cooking. In an effort to get back to his roots, he founded Napa Valley Heritage Catering which focuses on culinary excellence through raising and sourcing the best ingredients possible. He has spent nearly a decade working for wineries throughout the region developing one of a kind food and wine pairings. Josh can often be found on his farm where he has curated and is meticulously raising a herd of Berkshire hogs. His farm is also home to laying hens, seasonal culinary gardens, an orchard, and most recently, honeybees. We are thrilled to have Chef Josh, with his broad depth of knowledge, passion, and appreciation for the art of food and wine, as the Culinary Director of Theorem.

Growing up in Chicago, Sasha spent countless days in the kitchen of her Grandparent’s restaurant as well as helping her parents cater large events. While food and wine always felt like home, her passion was writing and performing. She co-founded a comedy group that performed original works in both Chicago and New York to critical acclaim and a cult following. As a luxury travel agent creating unique trips for her clients all over the world, Sasha had the opportunity to explore food and wine of various regions throughout California and beyond. No matter where she went, the Napa Valley kept calling her back. When a job offer presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity and moved with her husband and young son to wine country. While working at a Forbes 15 star property in Napa, she curated ideal and exclusive experiences for high-end guests visiting the Valley. Sasha brings her passion for wine, entertaining, and celebrating life with her to Theorem Vineyards.