Ron Bartlett
CEO, FOUNDER & OWNER
Ron is a 30+ year wine enthusiast and avid collector of wines from around the world. Over the past decade, Ron has focused his attention on his two favorite wine regions—the Napa Valley and Bordeaux, France. In fact, Bordeaux serves as the inspiration for the Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet.
For 23 years as a Partner in one of the largest Global Consultancy Firms in the world, Ron spent his days thousands of miles away from home, in hotels, time and time again, answering the question “Where are you today?”….. with the line “an airport somewhere.” In 2017, with his daughter Elena just off to college, he decided it was time to retire and pursue his dream.
That dream, to create a wine and a brand that is highly regarded and sought after, has been realized with the release of the 2022 vintage of the Bartlett Family Vineyards, Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet.
Ron has surrounded himself with a highly talented, experienced and dedicated winemaker, and an equally talented and highly experienced vineyard management team that oversees every aspect of farming this amazing site.
Jon Jones
WINEMAKER
Jon has been making wine in the Napa Valley for over 25 years and his wine making style is well-developed.
After working at Robert Mondavi, Merryvale and Opus One, Jon created Paravel Wines in 2011 and began crafting Paravel’s first vintage of 100% vineyard-designate Howell Mountain Petite Sirah. Since then, he has continued to expand the Paravel portfolio with several additional vineyard-designate wines. With an intense focus on quality, balance, and a keen sense for letting the wine speak for itself, Jon brings the unique personality of each vineyard to its fullest potential.
Today, Jon is the winemaker, or consulting winemaker for numerous producers throughout the Napa Valley in addition to BFV.
Paul Saviez
VINEYARD MANAGER
Paul graduated from the Viticulture Program at Santa Rosa Junior College and attended the University of California, Davis.
Paul has worked the land for over 55 years. He operated his own vineyard management company for over 30 years and assumed control of the Saviez family’s vineyards and management company in 1988.
Paul and his team see vineyard management as a year-long commitment. From cover crop seeding, erosion control, pruning, shoot thinning, water requirements, canopy management and ultimately harvest, the focus is on maintaining excellent overall soil and vine health. This is accomplished by being in the vineyard 12 months a year.
In addition to vineyard management, Paul specializes in vineyard development and engineering.
Today, Paul serves as vineyard manager for numerous vineyards throughout the Napa and Sonoma Valleys in addition to BFV.
Mary Bartlett
CHIEF SALES & ACCOUNT OFFICER
Mary became interested in wine during trips to the Napa Valley in the early 2000’s. Staying at beautiful properties around the valley, she fell in love with the landscape which reminded her of spending summers in her youth in the Greek village where her mother grew up. She not only fell in love with the beauty of the land but also the amazing wines and culinary experiences. Traveling to Italy and France only expanded her appreciation of wine and how it was meant to be shared with family and friends. So, it was only fitting that when Ron decided to retire, they would purchase a property in the Napa Valley. They both fell in love with this beautiful spot on Howell Mountain with its scenic views of the Valley. Sunset over the vineyard is her favorite time of day, especially now when there is a glass of BFV involved.
Mary has been Ron’s partner in life since 1988. She started her career in public accounting working for a “Big 4 Firm” and then spent the rest of her career as a senior finance professional in the health care sector.
Mary is passionate about community service and has served on the Boards of various philanthropic organizations over the years.
With Mary and Elena’s finance and business backgrounds, they play a role supporting Ron in the development and implementation of BFV’s business strategy.
Elena Bartlett
MEDIA LEADER & CONSULTANT
Elena has been intrigued by the world of wine since youth. At the age of 12, Elena went on her first vacation to France, which included time in Bordeaux with her parents. During a visit to Chateau Angelus, one of her now favorite chateaux in the world, the host offered Elena a sip of the 2009 vintage. When presented with this opportunity, Elena adamantly refused to taste the wine as “she was too young to drink.” Over the years, Elena overcame her fears (and turned 21) and has grown to appreciate the experience of tasting many wines from different regions around the world.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, she joined a Fortune 10 company and is currently forging her career in senior management.
Elena’s keen palate and being unafraid to share her opinions have made her a valued participant in our barrel sampling and exploratory blending sessions. As a proud member of Gen Z, she also serves in her role as the Media Leader for BFV’s social media accounts and provides valued insights on various trending digital platforms.
Today, wine is a passion that Elena gets to share with family and friends–and now you!
The Team
As a boutique family-run wine venture, we rely not only on this team, but many others to bring each vintage to its full potential. As we like to say…..to make great wine, it takes a village!