Team/Bios

Scott and Stephanie

Although both born and raised in Sonoma County, Scott and Stephanie Kendall officially first met while attending San Diego State University. Growing up in a culinary family, Scott Kendall always knew he belonged in the kitchen. He gained experience from working restaurants since age fourteen and learning from his mother, a culinary arts teacher. To further his knowledge of the restaurant industry, he majored in business management in college.

Suitably, Stephanie also desired to work in the restaurant/service industry. She majored in marketing, and after meeting Scott worked together at Karl Strauss in La Jolla. After graduating and traveling for a year, they moved back to their hometown where Stephanie was hired at Del Dotto Winery to expand her knowledge of wine. Meanwhile, Scott and Stephanie conceptualized the details and design for their own restaurant. Presently, Scott and Stephanie Kendall have united their passions and are “Seizing the Day” at Carpe Diem Wine Bar, where they have converted their dreams into reality.

Alli McDow

Alli grew up in the small town Crockett, CA, in a family that is passionate about wine and food. Her love of food, especially desserts, started at a very young age. However, her love of wine didn't begin until her sister moved to the Napa Valley when she was 19 years old. After attending CSU Chico, and graduating with a Degree in Sociology, she joined her sister in Napa looking forward to a change of pace. Alli has worked at Carpe Diem since it first opened, and has enjoyed growing with the company, meeting many interesting people and close friends, and learning more about food and wine. Presently, she is the Assistant Manager and Event Coordinator. With this role she always contributes to Carpe Diem’s warm and welcoming environment by being a gracious host, knowledgeable server, and a passionate manager.

Nick Hammond

Nick Hammond was practically born and raised with wine pouring through his veins. He grew up learning how to make wine by working beside his grandpa, dad and brother on their farm in Fresno. He then attended Fresno Pacific University where he mainly played soccer, studied Business Administration and Management, and worked at local wineries. After graduating, Nick coached soccer, played for a semi-pro league and assisted his family as they created their own wine label. In 2007, he moved to Napa to fully pursue a career in wine. He first scored a job at Del Dotto Vineyards giving wine and cave tours. Soon after, he became a Wine Specialist, Hospitality Liaison and Concierge at Vintner’s Collective, where he became acquainted with some of the best producers in the valley. Presently, Nick works alongside Mitch operating the wine and beer program at Carpe Diem. Nick’s lively presence and knowledge of wine simply reflects his love for the industry and all the people that he has met along the way.

Mitchell Sher

Mitchell's love for wine began in the mid 90's when he was able to buy 1989 Bordeaux and Burgundy at reasonable prices. He lived in New Jersey and was VP of Finance for a distribution company. His travels to Champagne, Provence, Tuscany and Piedmont exposed him to the history of wine and it's importance in everyday life.

Mitchell left suburbia for the beautiful mountains of Aspen, Colorado where, in 2006, he opened his own restaurant. His passion for wine and hospitality helped him build a wine list of 250 bottles.

Mitchell sold his restaurant after a few years and decided to move to Napa last winter. As Wine Manager of Carpe Diem he is excitedly expanding our selections from around the world while maintaining a focus on Napa and California.

Marti Cassinerio

Napa native, Marti Cassinerio, grew up in a house in the woods where she developed an appreciation for the outdoors, especially hiking and riding horses competitively. Yet, she equally enjoyed indoor activities, specifically reading, writing and drawing. Wanting to experience a city lifestyle, Marti attended CSU Long Beach, graduating with a BA in English Creative Writing and Literature. During college, she worked for a large corporate restaurant as a seating hostess, where she first discovered her appetite for the service industry. After graduating, she immediately returned to Napa to learn more about her new interest in food and wine. Besides teaching riding lessons, Marti is currently the Maitre 'd of Carpe Diem, as a server, hostess and writer of CD's wine bar blog. With her love of people, endless curiosity, and innovative mind, "Marti Parti's" enthusiasm contributes to the lively and creative spirit of Carpe Diem Wine Bar.