michael bello - proprietor Legend has it that once a champion always a champion; because to settle for less is not acceptable. This clearly exemplifies Michael Bello. Emphasizing an unmatched mix of hard work, quality and high standards, Michael started his career with a residential construction company. Passionate about living life to its fullest, his remarkable business achievements enabled him to pursue two lifelong dreams; to own a champion racehorse and produce a champion wine. In 2000, determined to produce a premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Michael purchased a piece of prime real estate located in the Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench district. He set about constructing a French farmhouse with materials imported from France, incorporating details that had never been seen before in Napa Valley. His dream to produce a quality boutique Cabernet Sauvignon was set in motion. A master at attaining his goals, and driven by his passion, Michael set another dream in motion. In late 2001 he purchases a Thoroughbred racehorse, Megahertz, and brings her to the California stable of trainer Bobby Frankel. This young filly is the beginning of yet another champion story for Bello. With construction of the Napa estate underway, Michael began the search for a farm manager and a winemaker. Bello knew that his farm needed to be managed by someone with extraordinary talent that shared his vision for perfection. He sought out the acknowledged preeminent farmer in the Valley, David Abreu. In keeping with his pursuit of excellence, Michael teamed David with the accomplished and highly acclaimed winemaker Aaron Pott. With the guidance of these top professionals, Michael purchased only the best grapes from local vineyards, obtained the highest-quality winemaking materials and demanded strict adherence to superior winemaking techniques. The result would produce a champion; Bello Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Back at the track, Megahertz makes her first start in the US on January 9, 2002, winning at Santa Anita Park. She did it in what would become her trademark style, coming from the back of the field to win in the home stretch. And like her owner, driven by hard work and the passion of a champion, she goes on to win another four stakes that year. When she retired from racing, Megahertz had accomplished a record that put her into a field of champions. In November 2007 Bello sold Megahertz. Today, with his signature Bello Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Megahertz Cabernet Sauvignon, Bello has successfully captured the prestige of exclusive taste with the excitement of upscale leisure proving that finishing first and becoming a champion is one of life’s greatest luxuries.     aaron pott - winemaker Aaron Pott’s curiosity in wine began at the young age of 9 when he ordered a glass of milk in a venerable Parisian bistro. When the waiter responded—in halting perfect English—that “milk is for babies” and promptly produced a glass of watered down red, Pott realized that wine was a beverage of choice for adults and immersed himself in the world of wine trivia. Studying oenology at the University of California, Davis, Pott delved into all aspects of the theory of winemaking, including practical application by working part-time in the research laboratory at Robert Mondavi Winery. He completed his education with a master’s degree in Viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France. Pott immediately took the position of assistant winemaker at Newton Vineyard, under winemaker John Kongsgaard. It was at Newton—under the wing of his first great mentor—that Pott would be introduced to Michel Rolland. At many tastings with Kongsgaard and Rolland (set up by legendary wine collector Dade Thieriot), Pott tried to convince Rolland to find him a job in France—pulling hoses around a dark cellar and working on his language skills. Rolland soon sent word that he had found the ideal position—winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot, Premier Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion. Pott would thereafter become winemaker and general manager of Château La Tour Figeac Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion.Pott worked for nearly six years making wine in France before returning to the States to take a position with Beringer Wine Estates. As a winemaker for the company’s international brands in France, Italy and South America, he had the pleasure to work with French winemakers Jean-Louis Mandrau, formerly of Château Latour and André Porcheret, whose resume included the Hospice de Beaune and Domaine Leroy. Pott’s duties expanded in 2001 as winemaker at St. Clement in St. Helena. In 2004, he accepted the position as winemaker and general manager at Quintessa. In 2007, Pott formed “Huis Clos Wines” and is dedicated to consulting for a limited quantity of notable producers as well as making wines of his own.Pott lives at his self proclaimed “Châteauneuf du Pott” on the dizzying heights of Mt. Veeder with his wife Claire and daughter Tosca.          david abreu - farm manager David Abreu, a third-generation rancher from St. Helena, California and graduate of the Viticulture and Enology program at UC Davis, founded Abreu Vineyards in 1980 after working briefly at Caymus Vineyards. That year he formed David Abreu Vineyard Management, working with pioneering winemaker Richard Forman to manage ranching operations at Inglenook Winery. Abreu and Forman became friends and traveled frequently to Bordeaux, where they observed French winemaking operations. They brought back French rootstock, trellis designs, and Bordelais planting and farming techniques. Abreu\'s fame spread as other wineries hired Abreu\'s company to plant and manage ranching operations. By 1999 he was considered the premier viticulturist for premium grapes in Napa Valley. Abreu\'s company has raised grapes for some of the most respected wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys including Blankiet Estate, Bello Family Vineyards, Acacia Vineyard, Staglin Family Vineyards, Jones Family Vineyards, Bressler Vineyards, Colgin Cellars, Pahlmeyer Vineyard, Sloan Estate, Bryant Family Vineyard, Fisher Vineyards, Oakford Vineyards, Araujo Estate Wines, Grace Family Vineyard, Viader Vineyards, and Harlan Estate, among others. In 2006 Abreu was hired to replant vineyards at Screaming Eagle Winery and Vineyards.