Our team

PRESIDENT

As the President and CEO, Dan has led Alto Vineyards to success for over two decades. During his leadership, the business added our second site in Champaign and built the new Tasting Room in Alto Pass. He is a highly experienced and talented entrepreneur, who oversees the business from a macro level and is involved in all financial decisions.

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

With nearly 30 years of experience developing and implementing comprehensive programs that serve Southern Illinois, Karen brings strong leadership skills and a community-focus to the winery. She is committed to building the business while maintaining the core values of family, diversity, and sustaining the culture and beauty of our region.

VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION AND VINEYARDS

As the first winemaker in the 1980s, Paul established Alto Vineyards as an nationally and internationally acclaimed winery. He and his father Guy were pioneers in building a thriving wine and grape industry in Southern Illinois and across the state. His maintains the high quality of our wines and provides a cohesive environment for supporting the production and vineyard staff.

BUSINESS MANAGER

We recruited Emlyn in 2022 from Michigan where she managed a business for five years. We are thrilled to welcome her as a highly experienced and much appreciated member of our team. Although she has not been with Alto Vineyards long, she has already made a positive impact on the staff and the business.

EVENTS AND RENTALS MANAGER

With her passionate and creative ideas, Katrina designs and oversees the unique events and rental spaces that distinguish Alto Vineyards. She and her husband Paul have been key to shaping the direction of growth and the community-focus of our business.

RETAIL MANAGER

She’s the first smiling face that greets you when you visit our tasting room. Cassi has been with us since 2016 and with her organizational talent, she is a positive leader of our retail staff.

WHOLESALE MANAGER

Jim is our charismatic wholesale manager. With his charm, he makes sure the rest of Illinois gets to enjoy our delicious wines in stores and restaurants near you!

VITICULTURIST

Aurelio has been the vineyard manager for nearly 20 years. His vast knowledge of grape growing and extensive experience in agriculture make him an invaluable leader and teacher. The high quality of grapes he nurtures are key the award-winning wines we produce.

VITICULTURIST

Kaleb has been tending the vineyard for the past three years. Under the tutelage of Aurelio, he has acquired the knowledge and skills to ensure our nine acres of vines produce the finest grapes in Southern Illinois. Come rain or shine, Kaleb will be working among the vines.

GROUNDSKEEPER

Bob is our kind-hearted groundskeeper who has been with us since October 2021. Not only does he help maintain our beautiful vineyard he also is willing to help wherever he can.

GENERAL MANAGER (Champaign)

Tarah serves as our general manager and team leader at Alto Vineyards Champaign. She has skillfully overseen the expansion of the tasting room, and the construction of two scenic decks. Her leadership is instrumental in the Champaign site realizing its full potential.

EVENTS COORDINATOR (Champaign)

Beth has been a member of the Alto team since April, 2022. As the events coordinator at our northern location, she brings new energy and creative ideas that are making Alto Vineyards an important entertainment destination in Champaign and central Illinois.

BARTENDER

Jake is our chill bartender that’ll tell you all about our wines when you visit our tasting room.

BAR TENDER

Jack is part of the third generation of the Renzaglia family that works at Alto Vineyards. As a retail staff, he works with the same charm as his dad, Jim Weir. He is one of the friendly faces you’ll see behind the bar.

BARTENDER

Malinda is our bilingual bartender. She speaks both Spanish and English. She works hard to make sure everyone’s included in their wine tasting and everywhere else!