Carissa Chappellet
Carissa Chappellet –
Owner & Managing Director
As a trained lawyer, skilled mediator, artist and photographer, Carissa assists in running the day-to-day operations of Chappellet alongside her brothers, Jon-Mark and Cyril, to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the family-run winery. Carissa’s unique background allows her to work closely and effectively with the nine Chappellet family members who own the winery to ensure the seamless transition of Chappellet from the first generation of the family to the second generation and beyond. In consultation with her parents, founders Donn and Molly Chappellet, Carissa evaluates and oversees key estate planning and governance issues.A passionate spokesperson on behalf of Chappellet, Carissa has also earned the title of ambassador-at-large. Traveling throughout the country and occasionally overseas with her life-partner, noted wine expert, writer and radio personality, Archie McLaren, Carissa represents Chappellet at a wide range of industry events. These events include the Napa Valley Wine Auction, the Jackson Hole Wine Auction, the Telluride Wine Festival and the Sun Valley Wine Auction. Carissa and Archie also enjoy hosting intimate Chappellet wine dinners, both in their home and on the road.
Carissa has also applied her numerous artistic talents to her work on behalf of Chappellet and the wine industry. Her first book, The Romance of California Vineyards, a visual tour of the wine country with photographs by Daniel D'Agostini, was published in 1997. Her own photography has been published in A Vineyard Garden, Gardens of the Wine Country, the Telluride Daily and the “Central Coast Wine Classic Catalog.” Carissa is also well known for her visually spectacular and often-humorous slide shows, which are displayed both at wine dinners and industry functions, and her original artwork will soon appear as part of Chappellet’s acclaimed Artist Label Series.
An active member in the wine community, Carissa is on the board of directors for the Central Coast Wine Classic Foundation, and is a member of the American Institute of Wine and Food, the National Association of Corporate Directors, and Women Chefs & Restaurateurs. When not working on behalf of Chappellet, Carissa explores her many areas of interest and expertise, which include being a talented musician, licensed hypnotherapist, certified massage therapist and avid cyclist. She is currently working on several writing projects, including a vegetarian food and wine cookbook, a book recounting her 15,000 mile bicycle trip around the world, and a children’s fantasy epic entitled The Dragon of Pritchard Hill, which takes its inspiration from Carissa’s childhood on the mountain.
