Get to know the Del Rio Team, Part 1

Meet six members of the Del Rio team as they share a bit about themselves—what drives them, what they love, and a few unexpected fun facts along the way. From the vineyard to the tasting room, these are the passionate individuals who help bring the Del Rio experience to life.

Darelle Ploof - Director of National Sales

Cats or Dogs Dogs 
Savory or Sweet Sweet
Buck list trip?  French Polynesia
Last act of kindness? 
Purchased lunch, water, dog food, and a dog toy for an elderly homeless man and his dog.
Early bird, night owl, or permanently exhausted pigeon?
Permanently exhausted pigeon
Do you believe in ghosts?
I didn’t until I saw Michael Alberty’s video about Hattie. Now you won’t find me in the TR alone!
How many browsers do you have open?
41
Favorite wine?
Whatever is in my glass. Depends on what I’m eating and the company I’m keeping. 
Have you ever been on a helicopter?
Yes, on a tour of the Willamette Valley
Why the wine industry?
After spending many years in hospitality, transitioning to the wine industry felt like a natural evolution. Wine has always played a central role in hospitality – it brings people together, tells a story & enhances connection. I was drawn to the idea of working more closely with the product itself, learning about the winemaking process, & the opportunity to represent wines that reflect a sense of place & community. 

 

Lena Freeman - Marketing Assistant & Design Guru

Cats or Dogs Dogs
Savory or Sweet Savory
Buck list trip?  Night swimming in bioluminescent plankton in the Maldives, or the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival in Thailand
Last act of kindness? 
My elderly neighbor has been sick with the flu, so I took her dog on walks so she could recover.
Early bird, night owl, or permanently exhausted pigeon?
Permanently exhausted pigeon
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes!! I’ve even had a few encounters with Hattie. 
How many browsers do you have open?
Including this one – 25
Favorite wine?
I’m a big fan of wine that’s wet!
Have you ever been on a helicopter?
Nope! Not yet!

 

Clayton Wallace - Vineyard Team & Teddy's Personal Assistant


Cats or Dogs Dogs
Savory or Sweet Savory
Buck list trip?  Snowboarding in Japan

Last act of kindness? 
Fixed a broken grave marker
Early bird, night owl, or permanently exhausted pigeon?
Early Bird
Do you believe in ghosts?
I don’t believe in no ghosts!
How many browsers do you have open?
3 (light day)
Favorite wine?
Cab Sauv
Have you ever been on a helicopter?
Yes, it was awesome!
Why the wine industry?
I grew up in the industry & love the whole process. I love the craziness of harvest, the romance of winemaking, & above all I love that time spent sitting around a table sharing a bottle with friends & family. Knowing that I’m even a small part of other people having that feeling in their own lives really is what makes this industry as great as it is to me.

 

Elias Bushen- Assistant Winemaker

Cats or Dogs Dogs 
Savory or Sweet Sweet
Buck list trip?  Exploring Hawaii, tasting wine & food from different regions, then flying to Europe for a live soccer match
Last act of kindness? 
Reconnected with an old friend & saw my younger brother after 10 years.
Early bird, night owl, or permanently exhausted pigeon?
Early Bird
Do you believe in ghosts?
No
How many browsers do you have open?
26
Favorite wine?
I don’t have just one favorite – it really depends on the moment!
Have you ever been on a helicopter?
No
Why the wine industry?
My passion for wine drives everything – I breathe, smell, taste, & sense wine in every way. I love meeting new people, & I’m drawn to how winemaking blends dynamic chemistry, art & science into one incredible craft. Plus, it’s physically active & hands-on – it’s hard work that uses every part of your body & I truly love it. 

 

Mikayla Pope - Western Sales Manager

Cats or Dogs Dogs 
Savory or Sweet Both
Buck list trip?  Tierra del Fuego in Argentina is somewhere that looks as mystical as the name “land of fire.” Giant mountains seem to pop out of the sea shrouded in mist. 
Last act of kindness? 
Overheard a woman who was sad that people missed her birthday, so I gave her a bottle of wine to brighten her day. 
Early bird, night owl, or permanently exhausted pigeon?
Permanently exhausted pigeon
Do you believe in ghosts?
I may not believe in ghosts, but I believe in ghost stories – who doesn’t love a good one?
How many browsers do you have open?
10-oops I mean 11
Favorite wine?
How can I choose? I love all that were make thoughtfully & with passion.
Have you ever been on a helicopter?
Yes, thanks to Del Rio
Why the wine industry?
I love to learn, and an industry with so much history, science & whimsy was irresistible. 

 

Alan Southwick - Key Account Manager

Cats or Dogs Dogs 
Savory or Sweet Savory
Buck list trip?  Italy
Last act of kindness? 
Purchased groceries for a stranger that was short on cash. 
Early bird, night owl, or permanently exhausted pigeon?
Night Owl
Do you believe in ghosts?
I’m not a huge believer, but some of the things that have happened at Del Rio has me questioning my beliefs. 
How many browsers do you have open?
8
Favorite wine?
Currently I’m loving the 2022 Del Rio Pinot Noir
Have you ever been on a helicopter?
Yes – volcano tour in Hawaii
Why the wine industry?
Just luck, but I am very blessed with my fortune.