OTTO KOMES
Otto Komes is the eldest son of John & Carrie Komes, the co-founders of Flora Springs Winery. During the developmental years of the winery, Otto became very familiar with the affectionate term "cellar rat". A term which describes someone who rolls barrels, operates crush equipment, works on the bottling line, shovels pumice, runs errands and, at times, gives tours.

In addition to Flora Springs Winery, John and Carrie involved both their sons, Otto and Nat, in the production of a "family" wine they called Toad Hall. This was a wine made solely for enjoyment by their immediate family and select friends. The first vintage was 10 cases of Chardonnay and Otto was in charge of the production. When the wine was entered in the Napa County Fair Otto was overjoyed to see that had it had been awarded a First Place Blue Ribbon. He believed this was to be his glorious start to a winemaking career until it was brought to his attention the award had been given instead for his brother's label artwork! The wine itself won no awards.

In 1989 Otto graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon with a BS in Communications. When he wasn't studying he spent time touring and tasting at the wineries of the Willamette Valley. Here he was introduced the wonderful flavors of Pinot Noir.

From Portland Otto continued his education and graduated from U.N.L.V. (University of Nevada) in 1991 with a MBA in Hotel Business Management. His passion for wine continued to grow while he was an active member with the Hospitality School's Wine Tasting Club.

Following graduation at U.N.L.V. Otto took a position as Banquet Manager at the Miramar Sheraton Hotel in Santa Monica, CA. Part of his position was to conduct alcohol awareness programs and educate employees through Wine Tasting Seminars.

In 1993 he returned to the Napa Valley to manage an inn he and his family purchased two years earlier. Rancho Caymus, a 26 room boutique inn, is located in Rutherford in the heart of the Napa Valley. During his time managing Rancho Caymus, it has been regarded as one of the top lodging establishments in the Napa Valley by the Wine Spectator, New York Times and Gourmet Magazine. The Inn also serves as the home of the nationally regarded restaurant, La Toque.

Besides managing the families Inn full time, Otto along with the help of his brother has grown the Toad Hall Cellars brand to an annual production of just under 2,000 cases distributed nationally. The Pinot Noirs, Lavender Hill and Willow Bay, are produced from Carneros Region fruit and are fine examples of a California style Pinot Noir. Bodacious, a Meritage blend that changes with each vintage, is produced from two Napa Valley Bordeaux varietals.

Otto's philosophy on wine is that there should be an aspect of fun in making it. “Wine is a form of art, not a product. Never stop experimenting or being curious about what lies beyond the norm."

Otto resides in Rutherford, CA with his wife Kirsten, their children, Christian, Mary Grace and Elisa.