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.
Jonathan Walden, Winemaker
As winemaker at Elusa Winery, Jonathan Walden blends his artistic understanding of oenology with his deep-seated connection to nature to create complex and precise wines that respect Calistoga’s distinctive terroir. Jonathan is a rising star in the winemaking world and joins Elusa to bring famed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown’s vision to life.
Walden’s winemaking career took off when he joined O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery in 2012 under veteran winemaker Sean Capiaux. In 2016, Walden seized the opportunity to become assistant winemaker at Tuck Beckstoffer Estate, launching the St. Helena brand. Prior to joining Elusa Winery, Walden served as assistant winemaker at Melka Wines overseeing operations at Melka Estates.
Abner Wyman, Cellarmaster
A retired ski bum who has lived a life dedicated to following various passions. Originally from Ohio by way of Maine, he spent 12 years in Salt Lake City, Utah, making ski films and traveling the world in pursuit of fun. With nine Napa harvests under his belt, seven of them alongside winemaker Jonathan Walden, Abner joined Elusa in 2021. He is deeply passionate about the creativity and artistry of transforming grapes into wine, always striving for precision, seamless blends, and balance. His current passion (obsession) outside of grapes, is golf (his 20 year old self shutters).
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.
Claire Troussieux, Events Coordinator
With nearly a decade of experience in the wine industry, Claire blends her passion for winemaking with expertise in event coordination. Raised in Napa, she developed a deep appreciation for wine and its power to create unforgettable experiences. As the Events Manager at Sherry-Lehmann in New York, Claire honed her skills in orchestrating prestigious events of all sizes.
Outside of Elusa, Claire enjoys exploring her hometown with her husband and their dog, Runi, taking in all that the Valley has to offer. Whether coordinating a corporate dinner or a reception-style tasting, Claire is committed to crafting memorable experiences that bring her clients’ visions to life while celebrating the artistry of Elusa winemaking.