Our world-class team of winemaking, hospitality, and event professionals work hard to make every experience at Elusa unforgettable.
Rachel Stellareese Davies, General Manager
Rachel Stellareese Davies is a Napa Valley native and a third-generation Calistogan. An entrepreneur at heart, she spent the last 17 years building a boutique wine label and Wine Country lifestyle brand Stellareese Napa Valley.
Rachel’s deep-rooted connection to Napa Valley, coupled with her passion for fine wine, inspired cuisine, and unparalleled hospitality, led her to Elusa. Her goal is to showcase the extraordinary beauty, genuine warmth, storied vineyards and exceptional wines that define Calistoga.
Rachel enjoys hiking in the hills around Napa Valley, skiing and traveling with her husband and two teenagers.
Thomas Rivers Brown, Consulting Winemaker
A Calistoga resident, Thomas Rivers Brown conceived Elusa as a distinct and honest expression of his town – and a celebration of the unique vineyards, the passionate local growers, and the grapes they produce.
Thomas Rivers Brown began his California winemaking career in 1997 and has since made a name for himself as a non-interventionist, creating wines that showcase the vineyard foremost. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker Jr. has awarded him 25 perfect 100-point scores on his Cabernet Sauvignon projects over the past decade. In 2010, Brown was named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine.
Jon Keyes, Winemaker
Jon Keyes blends science, creativity, and boldness in his approach to winemaking—a passion sparked while studying chemistry at UC Santa Barbara and working in a local wine shop. His career has taken him from harvest internships and a vintage in Australia to cellar master at Outpost Winery on Howell Mountain, where he honed his craft with powerful mountain fruit. He went on to lead winemaking at boutique wineries in Anderson Valley and Napa, including a high-profile collaboration with Dwyane Wade for Wade Cellars. Now at Elusa, Jon brings his hands-on, expressive style to a new chapter rooted in Calistoga terroir.
Josie Wilson, Hospitality and Event Manager
With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Josie Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating exceptional experiences. A Sonoma County native, Josie’s journey in hospitality began in the restaurant sector and expanded into event management with a Calistoga-based caterer, where her interest in wine deepened.
Outside of her professional life, Josie enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children at local beaches and parks. Dedicated to crafting memorable experiences, Josie ensures that every visit or event leaves a lasting impression.
Thalia Falcon, Membership Manager
Thalia joined the Elusa team in October 2022 and has since cultivated strong relationships with numerous Elusa members. As a seasoned wine industry professional, she brings extensive experience in managing wine clubs across both Napa and Sonoma. With a focus on delivering exceptional service and building lasting connections, Thalia ensures that each club member enjoys the finest experiences the wine country has to offer.
When not tending to member needs, Thalia enjoys spending time with her husband and their large, vibrant families, cherishing moments with their many nieces and nephews. Whether she’s enjoying live music or watching a great film, her passion for creating memorable experiences is evident in all she does. Thalia is committed to ensuring every member’s visit is seamless and exceptional.
James Cerda, Sales & Marketing Manager
James was born and raised in a small town along the Sonoma Coast. He never saw himself staying in Sonoma County, but he fell in love with traveling in his early 20s. Every time he left and came back he realized Northern California was actually a pretty special place to call home.
In 2008 James decided to establish roots in the region and he threw himself into the wine world, studying and becoming a sommelier. He worked in fine dining for many years until, in 2018 his wife and him decided to start a family. It was then when he moved from restaurants to wineries. James brings with him a genuine hospitality, strong foundation of wine knowledge and a love for the community of Calistoga.
