People

Kisha Itkin

President & Owner

By educational background, Kisha Itkin might seem more suited for a job in science, engineering, or geophysics. However, Kisha’s studies of complex math and science never replaced her passion for design, antiques and a sense of place.

Kisha began coming to Napa Valley as a tourist. On those early visits, she was always drawn to Napa’s history, beauty and of course, the amazing wines. Whether it was the knowledge needed to produce ultra-premium wines or the artistic talent that goes into designing wine bottles and labels—everywhere Kisha turned, she saw something that touched her love of art and science.

So, on one of her international adventures with her husband Jason, Kisha felt inspired to search for property in Napa Valley. She located a few properties of interest and after several calls to local real estate brokers, found that no one would return her calls. After a week, an agent finally agreed to show Kisha and her husband the properties. It was a cold, rainy day on Diamond Mountain for that visit. The mud was thick in the vineyards, the buildings in shambles and the views looking out to Mt. St. Helena were impossible to see. But something about that old porch and the smell of that soil... The connection was undeniable. Kisha and Jason made an offer the next day and so began the story of Theorem Vineyards.

Kisha has overseen the restoration of the property. She also coordinates the vineyard and winery operations. In her spare time, Kisha enjoys cooking, playing tennis and being with Jason and their daughter, Alia.

Jason Itkin

Owner

Jason owns Theorem Vineyards with his wife Kisha. Although Jason loves a great bottle of wine, he is best known for his work as a trial lawyer. In 2004, Jason co-founded the nationally known law firm of Arnold and Itkin LLP. Jason’s track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts has earned him many honors and awards. Perhaps Jason’s greatest honor was being named as a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates. The Inner Circle’s membership is comprised of the top 100 trial attorneys in the United States. Jason was selected to join the Inner Circle before the age of 40, making him the elite organization’s youngest member.

Although Kisha runs the winery operation, Jason is not shy about chiming in with his ideas. Often, Jason can be found walking the vineyards while preparing for a big case.

The Itkins are active members and proud supporters of the Houston and Napa communities. They support many causes individually and through the Arnold & Itkin Foundation.

James Cerda

Vice President Of Operations

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.

Isaac Pirolo

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Isaac grew up in South Louisiana and is a graduate of LSU. In 2009, when the economic crisis was mounting and China's demand for Bordeaux was surging, Isaac quit his job and traveled the country in search of the world's rarest wines. He visited more than 10,000 wine retail shops in pursuit of bottles to bring to auction in San Francisco and Hong Kong. Along the way, he also created a private client, trusted curation wine service. In March of 2018, Issac made the decision to pursue his longtime dream of living and working in Wine Country by joining the team at Theorem Vineyards.

Thomas Rivers Brown

Winemaker

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 Ward

Assistant Winemaker

Kathleen grew up in Texas and while attending Texas A&M University, enrolled in an enology class which sparked her interest in winemaking. This interest quickly turned to passion when she was able to apply all the science and chemistry she had learned to making wine. After graduating with a BSc, Kathleen moved to Napa Valley to further her knowledge of winemaking. Her career began as an intern for Failla Wines which became a full time cellar position post harvest. The past 4 years Kathleen has worked as the Enologist for Acumen Wine. She has had a number of great mentors who have helped her learn and grow along the way.

Josh Clark

Vineyard Manager

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.

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