At Sweet Cheeks Winery, wine club membership has always been about more than seasonal shipments and exclusive releases. It’s about gathering together, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and creating traditions that last vintage after vintage.

That’s why we’re excited to officially introduce Emma as our new Membership Manager.

If you’ve called the winery recently, visited the tasting room, or attended one of our events, there’s a good chance you may have already met Emma. And if not, you will soon.

With her background in hospitality, creativity, and hands-on winery experience, Emma brings a warm and thoughtful approach to helping every member feel welcomed, connected, and cared for.

A Passion for Hospitality & Community

For Emma, joining Sweet Cheeks felt personal from the very beginning.

“My brother-in-law is a winemaker in New Zealand and had the chance to do a harvest here years ago, so Sweet Cheeks was already a special place in our family. When I saw there was an opportunity to join the team, I knew I had to apply.

From the very beginning, I felt the sense of community here. Everyone shares such a genuine passion for wine, connection, and creating memorable experiences together. I’m especially excited to get to know our members personally. One of my favorite things about wine is hearing the stories and memories connected to a bottle, from the celebrations, long dinners, lasting friendships, and traditions that come with it. I’m so happy to be part of helping create those moments at Sweet Cheeks.”

Emma’s background in hospitality shines through in everything she does, from helping members customize shipments to assisting with reservations and welcoming guests during Release Party weekends.

From Oregon Wine Country to New Zealand Harvests

Emma’s path into wine began after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon. Soon after graduation, she had the opportunity to work bottling wine at Brick House Vineyards in Oregon wine country.

It was her first behind-the-scenes experience witnessing the final stages of winemaking, seeing wine move from barrel to bottle before being labeled, corked, and prepared to share with guests. Working inside the winery’s historic barn alongside a passionate team left a lasting impression and deepened her appreciation for the craft behind every bottle.

A few years later, Emma traveled to New Zealand to work a wine harvest at Whitehaven Winery and visit her older sister.

Assigned to the night shift after years spent working early mornings in bustling brunch restaurants, the transition challenged Emma in entirely new ways. As an inoculator, she prepared fermentation tanks by heating them, propagating yeast in massive barrels, and introducing the yeast back into the tanks to begin fermentation, a role that earned her the nickname “yeast mama.” One of her favorite parts of the job was watching the sunrise each morning, as color slowly spilled across the sky and reflected off the rows of tanks. 

The role gave her firsthand insight into the precision, science, and constant attention required in winemaking and sparked her love for Sauvignon Blanc along the way.

Quick Questions With Emma

Favorite wine at the winery right now?

“The Sauvignon Blanc. It’s perfect for this type of weather and I love all the bright tropical flavors.”

Favorite food and wine pairing?

“I love a crisp Riesling paired with a spicy jambalaya that my mama makes.”

Dream place to enjoy a glass of wine?

“By the lake with my feet in the sand, sunshine sparkling off the water, and a chilled white wine in the cooler.”

Something members should know about you?

“I’m an identical twin, so if you wave at me around town and I don’t respond, there’s a good chance you actually met my double instead. Outside of the winery, I love hiking and exploring new places with my son, Arlo. I’ve also always had a passion for art, so I spend my days off creating. One of my favorite parts of working at Sweet Cheeks is getting to use that creative side by designing many of the signs you see during winery events.”

How Emma Supports Sweet Cheeks Wine Club Members

As Membership Manager, Emma will help guide and support members through every part of their wine club experience, including:

  • Membership updates and account assistance
  • Wine shipment questions
  • Pickup and Release Party weekends
  • Winery events and reservations
  • Personalized wine recommendations
  • Customizing club selections

Most importantly, Emma is focused on creating a membership experience that feels personal, seamless, and genuinely welcoming. Whether it’s helping members discover new favorite wines or making each visit to the winery feel special, she’s excited to help create memorable moments along the way.

Looking Ahead at Sweet Cheeks Winery

With new wine releases, upcoming member events, and another exciting season ahead in Oregon wine country, Emma is already helping make this year extra special for our club community.

If you see her during your next visit, be sure to stop by and say hello!

And as always, thank you for being part of the Sweet Cheeks family. Your support means the world to us, and we’re grateful to continue sharing great wine, great stories, and unforgettable memories together.